From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has said the November 11 governorship polls in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo States would be a litmus test of the democratic disposition of President Bola Tinubu.
SDP National Chairman, Shehu Gabam while addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja, noted that President Tinubu, who benefited from the spoils of democracy should allow a free, fair and credible outcome.
Gabam, who specifically mentioned Kogi State as a flashpoint that security agencies should look in to, claimed that most of the party faithful were either physically attacked or the campaign offices of the party destroyed by some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), whom he said were intimidated by the popularity of Murtala Ajaka.
He said time had gone where emperors were elected out of fear, intimidation or coercion.
According to him, every citizen is a stakeholder whose inputs and freedom of speech and association must be respected against all odds.
“We are worried with what has been happening in Kogi State. I want to appeal to the president that this is going to be his first as a setting president.
“Democracy is about humanity and the people must enjoy the dividend. Our party and candidate have come under attack. Innocent souls have been killed.
We must protect the system. The era of electing people who are emperors is gone,” he said.
He, also, condemned the impeachment plot of Rivers State governor, Siminalaya Fubara, stating that a democratically elected government should be allowed to function.
Equally, he congratulated Natasha Akpoti, a senatorial candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP), whose mandate was restored by the Court of Appeal, to represent Kogi Central Senatorial District.