Bayelsa State Election Boycott: Coalition Accuses PDP of Collusion with INEC

Thirteen opposition parties in Bayelsa State have decided to boycott today's rescheduled state assembly election, citing a clear conspiracy between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to undermine their chances. The parties claim that INEC has colluded with the PDP to hoard sensitive electoral materials and manipulate the results in favor of PDP candidates. The opposition parties also accused the PDP of planning to use the military to intimidate and harass voters.

Key Takeaways:

• The Coalition of Political Parties in Bayelsa State (CPPBS) comprises 13 parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alliance for Democracy (AD), and Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), who have decided to boycott the state assembly election.
• The coalition alleges that INEC and the PDP have conspired to manipulate the election results in favor of PDP candidates, including hoarding sensitive electoral materials and using the military to intimidate voters.
• The chairmen of the 13 parties, including Chief Timipa Orunimigha (APC), Gerebo Joseph (UDP), Abbey Daniel (APA), Oniekpe Prince (SDP), and Owei Woniwei (AD), signed a statement boycotting the election.
• The INEC's resident electoral commissioner was informed of the coalition's decision, but claimed he has no power to stop the election, which will proceed as scheduled.
• The PDP has presented certificates of return to six elected members during the National Assembly elections in Bayelsa State.

Statistics:

• 13 opposition parties have boycotted the state assembly election in Bayelsa State.
• 6 PDP candidates have been issued certificates of return by INEC.
• 8 local governments in Bayelsa State are involved in the collateral.

Sources:

• "Bayelsa Poll: 13 Parties Boycott Election" (Leadership/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX, Apr 20, 2015)
• "Six PDP Members Get Certificates of Return in Bayelsa" (AllAfrica.com, Apr 20, 2015)