The Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organization has called for an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the “Election Rigging Manual” prepared by the Jonathan/Sambo Campaign Organization.
It appealed to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to also show interest in the matter as it is capable of tarnishing its image as a party undergoing reform.
The campaign in a statement released in Abuja yesterday stated that such an independent inquiry is necessary to allay fears that have been raised by the controversy surrounding the “Rigging Manual.”
The Campaign Organisation said it is calling for the inquiry because the credibility crisis raised by the document could impact negatively on the 2011 elections.
“The document is a throwback to the era of Garrison politics. The content of the document, which outlines strategies to compromise the Judiciary, the INEC, the Police and the Media, should bother every Nigerian who is desirous of credible elections and good governance in the country.
“We should not fold our arms when a candidate in an election outlines plans to use the Police Service Commission to compromise the Police. We should not fold our arms when a candidate outlines how he is going to compromise the Judiciary for election purposes. We should not close our eyes when a candidate outlines how he will compromise an important institution like the media for electoral gains.”
These issues deserve urgent attention so that we can assure Nigerians that the 2011 elections will truly be free and fair.
