Tension looms as APC reveals how PDP whips voters, issues death threat during guber poll

• The governorship candidate of the APC in Rivers state during the March 18 election, Tonye Cole, has alleged that there was heavy voter intimidation during the election
• According to Cole, voters were whipped and issued death threats, and all these led to a low turnout of voters during the poll
• The APC chieftain alleged that the PDP in the state masterminded the act using the local government chairmen and councillors in the state

Port Harcourt, Rivers - Tonye Cole, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state during the March 18 governorship election in the state, has alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) championed a high level of intimidation during the poll.

While speaking on the outcome of the election on Monday, March 27, Cole disclosed that voter suppression allegedly championed by the PDP necessitated the low turnout of voters in Rivers, Channels Television reported.

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Tonye Cole reveals how PDP sponsored thugs to intimidate voters during March 18 election

He also alleged that voters were whipped and threatened to forcefully cast their votes for PDP, adding that the commandeering of ballot boxes at various polling units was aided by the support of government officials and security personnel.

His comment reads in part:

“There was a build-up of intimidation, voters were intimidated. They were told not to come out, whips were bought, people were whipped. Town criers went into communities, saying that nobody should come out.”

He argued that voter intimidation during the voting period in the state was very heavy, making many people to be scared of coming out to vote.

Latest about APC, PDP, Rivers, 2023 election, Tonye Cole, Siminalayi Fubara, Nyesom Wike

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The APC chieftain alleged that in some cases where the counting of votes had never started, police accompanied local government chairmen and councillors to these polling units.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Siminalayi Fubara, the candidate of the PDP as the winner of the election.

On his part, Governor Nyesom Wike expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the poll, asking the people of the state to accept Fubara as the will of God.

"Fubara is not coming to serve me": Wike speaks on what he will do after May 29

Legit.ng earlier reported that Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has disclosed that he would distance himself from the administration of Siminalayi Fubara, the governor-elect.

Wike, who will be leaving the office on May 29, maintained that Fubara is not coming to serve him but to serve the people of the state.

However, the governor noted that he would be available if the incoming governor ever needs his advice after he leaves the office.

Source: Legit.ng