APC plans to arrest opposition members ahead of National Assembly inauguration, PDP alleges

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) led Federal Government of plotting to arrest elected lawmakers who hold opposition views ahead of National Assembly inauguration on June 13, 2023.

This revelation was made by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Olugunagba, in Abuja when he addressed Journalists at the party’s national secretariat on Saturday, June 10.

Debo Ologunagba said, “Information at our disposal which is verifiable and some of which we got from reports, is that there are attempts by some APC elements to intimidate, harass and threaten lawmakers-elect with a view to influencing the outcome of the election on Tuesday on the floor of both chambers as to who emerges the Speaker and the President of the Senate.

“There are reports of harassment to arrest those people who are considered to be strong proponents of the independence of the legislature and who are at the forefront of the need to respect those standing rules that provide that members-elect should elect their leadership without any external influence.

“We have these reported actions and plots to arrest such individuals. We as a party that believes in democracy and had the privilege of ‘mid-wifing’ this democracy of ours for 16 years, recognise the fact that the legislature is an ingredient that is very important and key to the sustenance of democracy. So, we need to raise the alarm,” the PDP Spokesman said.

In a related development, immediate past Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, who is vying for the Senate Presidency against the wishes of his party has obtained court orders restraining security agencies from effecting an arrest on him with just over 48-hours to the National Assembly’s inauguration.

The 10th Assembly will be inaugurated on Tuesday June 13, 2023, with election of leaders for both Chambers to follow on the same day.