Following allegations of electoral malpractice which dogged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary in Plateau State, a group, Elders and some contending aspirants, have written to President Goodluck Jonathan asking him to urgently intervene in the political crisis before it is too late.
The letter, which was sent to the presidency and signed by Professor Dakum Shown, the Party Elders and seven of the aspirants, also called on the president to resolve the ongoing crisis between the state leadership of the party and supporters which it said has taken a frightening dimension in the state.
“The glaring allegation of irregularities at the primary including the Governors influences are worrisome and need to be addressed urgently before things degenerate further because the people cannot be taken for ride.”
The Elders, who were one of the observers at the primary, alleged the ordeal its members and delegates passed through at the venue , noting that confusion pervaded the whole environment of the exercise and did not allow transparency as delegates were physically harassed and disenfranchised by some thugs loyal to one of the aspirants.
“There was another alleged irregularities where the boxes were tagged intentionally to know any local government that did not vote for the wish of the state Governor, Jonah David Jang.
Shown said: ’’We observed the use of money and intimidation by the officials of the plateau state Government.’’
The seeming crisis and the disagreement by the party faithful is now threatening the unity in all the three senatorial zones where the party supporters are saying no to the party leadership in the state.
Another issue that is allegedly tearing the party apart in the state is the inability of the party to formally receive the former Governor Joshua Chibi Dariye and one time Deputy Governor,Mrs. Pauline Tallen back into the fold of PDP despite the waiver by the PDP headquarters.