The police in Niger State on Thursday stopped a rally by members of the All Progressives Congress. The rally had been meant to boost the chances of the APC candidate, David Umaru, in the Niger-East senatorial bye-election.
Members of the APC were locked out of the Minna Polo ground venue of the rally by men of the Niger State police command, who stormed the venue in 10 Toyota Hilux vans.
Spokesman for the state APC, Jonathan Vatsa, said the APC had applied to use the venue on August 24 but that they were denied because PDP chose the same time.
“We sought approval from the police to hold our rally; each time we apply they will tell us PDP is having their rally the same time, day and venue. That is exactly what is happening today again.
“They told us they cannot grant us the approval and you know the electoral law, which states that parties should stop campaigning within 24 hours to the election and today is the only day we have and they still denied us.
“Anybody, anywhere who is denying us of not having our rally is infringing on our fundamental human rights and tampering with our citizenship. They are not being fair to us, they are afraid of us; since our candidate emerged, PDP has been having sleepless night.”
The police claimed they were merely avoiding a clash between the PDP and the APC and not to deprive any party of the opportunity to have its rally.
The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, said the policemen on ground were at the venue to provide security and not to bar anybody or party or harass anyone. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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