REPRESENTATIVES of six political parties in Abia State and some of their candidates for the governorship, Senate and House of Representatives seats met yesterday at the Police Officers Mess in Umuahia, where they undertook to ensure a peaceful electioneering campaign and accept whatever the outcome of the elections.
The parties included the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by the state chairman, Senator Emma Nwaka, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), led by its deputy guber candidate, Dr Uche Eme-Uche.
Others were the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by the governorship candidate, Anyim Nyerere, Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), represented by its standard bearer, Mr. Obioma Onyeaghala, Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA), led by its guber candidate, Chinkwe Udensi, and the People for Democratic Change (PDC).
Though they pledged to play according to the rules, they called for level playground for all parties, including the use of government facilities. Addressing the forum, the convener and state Police Commissioner, Mr. Joshak Habila, said it was in furtherance to the need for peace and tranquility before, during and after the general elections.
He noted that the command would deal with issues that are not in accordance with the rules and protect election officials and materials.
According to the chairman of the occasion and Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 9, Umuahia, it is imperative for politicians to play politics without bitterness; “the police will ensure level play ground. We will be very fair. If you have genuine complaint, come up with it so that we deal with it.
The Deputy Governor, Emeka Ananaba, who represented Governor Theodore Orji, urged participants to take the message to their faithful so as to ensure the free and peaceful election that the state had been known for.
