The recent outburst by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State ahead of the September 21, 2024 local government elections is a classic case of sour grapes and a desperate attempt to derail a credible and transparent electoral process. Rather than engage in constructive politics, the PDP has resorted to making unsubstantiated allegations against the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) and the government of Governor Hope Uzodimma. These baseless attacks should be dismissed as nothing more than the last gasp of a party that has lost touch with the people of Imo State.
It is telling that the PDP, which claims to still exist, has not been seen anywhere campaigning for votes in any of the 305 wards and 27 LGAs of the State. Instead of reaching out to the electorate, the party is even said to have fielded non-humans, just non-existent identities, as candidates in many localities – an indication of just how deserted the PDP has become. While other political parties have been engaging with the grassroots, the PDP has been content to sit back and issue puerile press statements. This is hardly the behavior of a serious political contender.
Contrary to the PDP’s claims, ISIEC has been faithful to its guidelines, and the electoral process is proceeding smoothly in line with democratic best practices and to the full satisfaction of stakeholders. The Commission has meticulously followed all necessary protocols to ensure a free, fair and credible election. Accusations of malpractice are merely distractions from a party that knows it has no chance at the polls. ISIEC’s commitment to transparency and integrity has been evident throughout the process, and it deserves commendation, not unwarranted criticism.
The PDP’s grievances appear to stem from a deeper fear: they are acutely aware that this local government election will follow the same pattern as previous elections under the stellar leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma. In the 2023 general elections, the APC swept nearly all the Senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly seats, thanks to the Governor’s achievements in infrastructure, security and human capital development. Since then, the Uzodimma administration has only ramped up its efforts, attracting major projects like the AfriExim Bank’s Quality Assurance Center and making significant strides in power generation. The overwhelming support for the APC in the upcoming election is a reflection of these accomplishments.
Remarkably, while the PDP has been issuing baseless press statements, other political parties have been fully engaged in the electoral process. Eighteen political parties are actively participating in the local government elections, yet it is only the PDP that has descended into reckless attacks on the electoral umpire. This irrational behavior makes the conclusion inevitable, that the PDP may be trying to sabotage the elections altogether, knowing full well that they stand no chance of winning a single polling unit.
The grand finale of the APC’s campaign, held in Owerri on Thursday, was a resounding success. The national leadership of the party, along with thousands of leaders and supporters from across the state, gathered to show their support for the party and its candidates. In contrast, the PDP could not even muster a rally or draw support from their so-called leaders in Abuja. The absence of any serious electoral activity from the PDP only confirms their lack of preparation and commitment to the people of Imo State.
What truly lies at the heart of the PDP’s desperation is their fear of Governor Uzodimma’s determination to localize governance and strengthen the local government structure. The administration’s abiding devotion to rejigging the local government system poses a direct threat to the PDP’s longstanding support for insecurity in remote communities. The PDP has long been complicit in aiding and abetting armed anti-state elements, and they fear that a robust local government structure will end their game in the remotest parts of the state once and for all. This is the real reason behind their unhinged attacks on ISIEC and the APC government.
Imo people should, therefore, see the PDP’s baseless accusations for what they are: a desperate attempt to distract the people from their failure to engage in meaningful electoral activity. The Imo electorate deserves better than the empty rhetoric and fear-mongering of a party that has lost its way. Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration remains committed to delivering good governance, and the people of Imo State will once again demonstrate their confidence in his leadership by overwhelmingly voting for the APC in the local government elections.
*Collins Opurozor is the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Electronic and Creative Media
