Edward Masha, the Kaduna State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has publicly dispelled rumors that he urged party supporters to boycott the local government elections set for all 23 local government areas in the state. In a recent interview in Kafanchan, which is the administrative center for the Jema’a Local Government Area, Masha clarified that he neither called for nor supported a boycott of the elections. He emphasized the importance of participating in democracy, noting that the call for a boycott was not issued by any official source within the party.
During the interview, Masha raised serious concerns regarding the election process, particularly about the contents of sensitive materials prepared by the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM). He pointed out that while PDP agents at the SIECOM office were inspecting materials prior to distribution, they发现 that essential items, specifically the result sheets, were missing. He viewed this oversight as a significant anomaly that raised questions about the integrity of the election process and the intentions of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Masha went on to voice his alarm over manipulative tactics allegedly employed by the APC to sway electoral outcomes. He recalled his earlier warnings about the introduction of questionable clauses into the SIECOM election guidelines, which he argued could compromise the process for announcing election results. He affirmed the PDP’s commitment to ensuring integrity in the election, insisting that all necessary materials be present to facilitate a fair electoral environment.
Expressing profound disappointment, Masha described the apparent electoral malfeasance as indicative of a broader threat to democracy within the region. He implored party members to actively engage in the electoral process and to exercise their voting rights without resorting to violence or disruptive behavior. The message was clear: participation in the election is crucial for fostering democracy, even in the face of perceived systematic challenges.
On the morning of the election day, reports surfaced indicating some level of disorganization at the SIECOM office, where electors encountered a locked facility and ad-hoc staff appearing to be in a state of confusion. These circumstances further contributed to the atmosphere of uncertainty surrounding the elections and pointed to possible administrative failures that could affect the overall electoral experience.
Masha’s statements resonate beyond the immediate context of the elections, reflecting a desire for a more transparent and accountable electoral process in Kaduna State. He is urging vigilance among voters and pushing for the integrity of democratic practices in the face of potential abuse. By calling on PDP members to participate, he reiterates the significance of an active citizenry in safeguarding the democratic process, advocating for a peaceful approach to asserting their rights in times of electoral adversity, and remaining committed to defending the principles of democracy amidst ongoing challenges in the region.
