The Cross River State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has stated that an unlawful voter registration activity is taking place at the Dan Archibong Lodge within the Government House in Calabar by individuals acting on behalf of the state government.
On Thursday, the opposition party issued a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Prince Mike Ojisi, describing the alleged exercise as a serious threat to the integrity of the electoral process and requesting an immediate investigation by relevant authorities.
The PDP encouraged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to investigate the allegations, identify those involved, and prosecute anyone found accountable in accordance with the law.
According to the party, any attempt to conduct unauthorised or fraudulent voter registration could jeopardise future elections and erode public trust in Nigeria’s democratic system.
The party reiterated its commitment to free, fair, and credible elections, and urged Cross River State residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant while the appropriate authorities investigate the situation.
Attempts to elicit a comment from the ruling APC were fruitless. Several phone calls and text messages addressed to Chris Eta, the Cross River State APC Chairman, were not returned as of the time of filing this article.
However, Fred Abua, the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, denied the allegation, saying, “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Nothing like this is taking place.”