The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described as revealing the attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to politicise the circulation of anti-election leaflets in Gombe State.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in a statement on Tuesday, said the rush with which the APC started raining accusations was “suspect and betrays a subterfuge; a spirited attempt to cover-up, divert attention and distract the security forces from getting to those behind the threats.”

“Ordinarily, many Nigerians saw the statement of the APC as merely political, but looking beyond the veneer of politics undoubtedly is a bigger picture of an opposition party deeply involved but craftily deploying a smokescreen to divert attention through a hurried attempt to politicise a very serious security issue.

“Whereas it is incontrovertible that Gombe remains a stronghold of the PDP with the soaring popularity of President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, we urge Nigerians to make their deduction as to which party stands to gain from any anti-election threat in the state. Is it the PDP for whom Gombe is a stronghold or the APC, which has been seeking to turn the state into a theatre of violence owing to its dwindling popularity?

“Furthermore, the manner with which the APC in its statement described the convoy of the insurgents and their said movements from Maiduguri to Gombe raises an issue. Is it that the APC has their members among the insurgents or is it part of its fabrication and lies to score cheap political points?

“Nigerians are aware of series of attempts by the APC to cause mayhem in Gombe as a means to dislodge the PDP in the state. The December 18, 2014 ambush and attack on the convoy of Governor Dankwambo by APC thugs is still fresh.

“We therefore demand a thorough investigation of the matter as it might assist in unravelling other knotty issues regarding the security challenges in the country.

“This is especially as the APC has shown the capacity to find a voice and thrive whenever Nigerians come under attack or threat, as well as the proclivity for actions and utterances that tend to cause confusion, distract security agencies and embolden insurgents and their supporters,” the PDP said.
The party therefore urged Nigerians to be wary of the APC, stating that its fabrications may not only be for propaganda but also for more sinister agenda.

Noting that it will not be distracted but continue to focus on its campaign, the PDP restated its readiness for the March 28 and April 11, 2015 general election, adding that with its record of performance and support of Nigerians across board, it will achieve a sweeping victory not only in Gombe but also in all the states of the federation.

Source: THISDAY