Abdul-Azeez Adediran, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos, has condemned the alleged attack on Alaba market traders who wanted to obtain their permanent voters’ cards (PVCs)
Reports had emerged in social media on Thursday that thugs had attacked traders from the Alaba market during a voter registration exercise in Ojo area of the state.
The traders were said to have shut their stalls to enable them to go register for their PVCs.
Reacting to the alleged attack, Adediran, in a statement by Gbenga Ogunleye, his spokesman, condemned the “intimidation of the traders”.
He alleged that some Lagosians in Amuwo Odofin, Ajeromi/Ifelodun, Ojo, Oshodi-Isolo and a few other LGAs in Lagos west senatorial district have expressed disappointment over their inability to register for their permanent voter card (PVC).
He said the residents alleged “deliberate attempt by INEC officials in collaboration with the ruling party to disenfranchise them”.
He asked INEC to take proactive measures in forestalling rising incidents of glitch in the exercise.
He added that complaints from Lagosians at various registration centres across the state on the slow pace of the registration exercise require urgent attention.
“Traders from Alaba International Market who shut the market yesterday to allow them participate in the continuous voters registration exercise were frustrated with the lackluster performance of the INEC officials. It was reported that some of these traders were attacked by politically motivated thugs because of their perceived sympathy for the PDP,” he said.
Adediran called on INEC to respond swiftly to the reactions of these set of Lagosians “who are willing to perform their civil obligation before the deadline set for the exercise”.
He also warned the hoodlums and the Lagos government to desist from harassing and intimidating residents who are bent on exercising their civic responsibilities and “fed up with the misrule of the ruling party”.
He commended the Alaba traders for their “selfless sacrifice” and others who took time off from their private engagement to get their PVC.
He assured them that any attempt to attack or disenfranchise them henceforth will be met with stiff resistance