Judex Okoro, Calabar
Trouble is still brewing in Cross River chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as group of aspirants have protested against their final exclusion from contesting the National Assembly primaries in the state.
The aspirants have, therefore, given the party leadership 48-hour ultimatum to redress the wrongs done them or they would defect enmasse to the opposition party ahead of the 2019 general elections.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Chris Agara, a senatorial aspirant, accused the party of deliberately inflicting mortal wounds on members of the party in Cross River State.
Agara said the unfortunate incident has continue to remind them of the grave price PDP paid in 2015 as a consequence of this self same impunity, denial of the right to fair contest and conferment of black market illegality on already cleared aspirants.
According to him, “The insensitive and deliberate refusal to allow interested and qualified party members to pursue their legitimate aspirations to elective offices. Selective ‘clearing and un-clearing’ of particular aspirants to suit certain whims and caprices of some party stalwarts.
“Deliberate dropping of names of very qualified aspirants in the morning of the party primaries even after clearance and issuance of clearance certificate in order to pave way for their favoured mediocre based on political God-fatherism.
READ ALSO: One killed in APC senatorial primary as shooting mars Delta PDP primaries
“Continuous and unbridled display of institutional insensitivity and high handedness by refusing to provide a level playing field for the contest of party primaries.
“Clandestinely executing the “automatic ticket” conspiracy in total disregard to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act 2010 as amended,” he stated.
He added that the aggrieved aspirants together with hundreds of our followers across the zone the reject in its totality the affront on the people well-being and fair participation in the electoral processes and activities of our party
Agara continued, “We demand an immediate reversal of the aforementioned decision so that all other qualified aspirants can be cleared and party primaries rescheduled unconditionally.
“That Barr. Chris Agara who had earlier been cleared and issued with clearance certificate, should have his name reinstated in the list of cleared aspirants and allowed and be allowed to contest the Senatorial primary election.
“The leadership of our party should be reminded that the era of political confinement and lack of alternative is over.
“The thoroughly bruised people of Central Senatorial District who are even now gnashing of teeth in agony may not continue to following the obnoxious machination of the party like herds of cows any longer.
“We do hereby serve notice of a massive wave of defection with our hundreds of thousands of supporters to a more welcoming political platforms if the above conditions are not met within 48 hours, we shall serve no further notice on this matter,” he maintained.