Ahead of the planned non-violent protest by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Monday, already, there is heavy security presence in major areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
This is coming just as the Supreme Court has scheduled Monday, January 21, to finally rule on appeals by candidates in the gubernatorial elections in Kano and Sokoto states respectively.
In Kano, the PDP and its candidate, Abba-Yusuf had approached the Supreme Court, to seek for an order overturning the lower court’s decision that validated the emergency of governor Abdullahi Ganduje of the APC.
While in Sokoto, it is the APC candidate, Aliyu Sokoto versus Governor Aminu Tambuwal of PDP.
Apart from the Supreme Court judgement which has necessitated massive arrival of party supporters from the affected states, into the FCT, to witness the judgement, the appeal on Benue gubernatorial elections is also fixed for Tuesday by the apex court.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP, led by the National Chairman, Uche Secondus, after an emergency meeting on Saturday, directed that a peaceful, civil and non-violent protest be organized in the FCT on Monday.
The National Organizing Secretary of the party, Austin Akobundu has announced in a statement that the protest is employed by the opposition party to register its displeasure against the current state of affairs in the country.
Specifically, the peaceful demonstration is particularly hinged on removal of Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha, by the Supreme Court, recently which PDP is calling for review of the Supreme Court judgement.
The party is also alleging that the APC want to take-over all PDP controlled states hence the protest.
According to Akobundu, “the protest will commence by Monday at 9.am, with take-off point from the Legacy House located in Maitama part of the FCT.”
On Sunday, it was observed that inscripted security vehicles, such as Armoured Perssonel Carriers, hilux vans and SUVs, were stationed at strategic points of the city.
Some armed uniformed and plain clothes security operatives were seen positioned in key places while others patrolled the major FCT areas.
It was learnt that the security arrangement is to prevent any breakdown of law and order since both the Supreme Court rulings and mass protest by the PDP, are scheduled for same day.
There were reports that members of the both parties – APC, PDP, have gone spiritual, openly offering prayers in favour of their varied political parties. This situation, has since generated tension as residents of the FCT are afraid whether violence would break out eventually.
The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in an interview insist that “the planned protest by the party is not violent but a very peaceful demonstration.”
Solomon Ayado, Abuja
