By our Taraba correspondent
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has opted out of the council elections in Taraba State.
The party made its decision, recently, citing the “shortness of time to campaign and hold rallies” and the “lack of integrity” of the State Independent Electoral Committee (SIEC) chairman to supervise and organise the election. Also, the party had stated that, if the headquarters of the electoral commission failed to grant its request, it would refrain from participating in the elections.
However, 17 of the 18 parties recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have indicated their readiness to be a part of the councils’ election slated for next week Tuesday in the state.
Inspite of this, though, the chairman of the SIEC, Dr. Philip Duwe, said four of the 17 parties have already concluded their primaries, purchased forms and screened their candidates.
Citing Section 15 of TSIEC Law No. 6, 2002, Sub-Section (1) and (2) which have given the electoral body the mandate to liaise with political parties, fix dates and conduct elections, Duwe said: “the council election is optional”.
The Action Alliance (AA), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) are some of the parties who have met the criteria to participate in the council election.
He said: “17 political parties have indicated interest to participate in the election and they have even given their support in writing.
“The AA, APGA, PDP and SDP have already bought forms and screened their candidates. As we speak, the electoral materials have started arriving into the state capital. All is set for the polls.”
In adhering to the precautionary measures set aside for the prevention of the spread of Covid-19, the commission said it has put in place relevant measures to prevent the spread of the pandemic during voting.
“There will be no be more than 20 voters per line, to avoid crowding. We are supplying 2000 sanitisers to each of the 1,911 polling units in the state. Also, there will be face masks, hand gloves and sanitisers for the electorate, even though they still have to maintain the social distance.
“The arrangement for security has as well been done. The State Commissioner of Police has discussed with his men and we will have a joint meeting tomorrow,” Duwe disclosed.
