For the second time in four days, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended its presidential mega rally in Abuja earlier rescheduled for Wednesday, February 13, 2018.
It was gathered that the postponement may not be unconnected with possible clash with the All Progressives Congress (APC) which also scheduled its rally on Wednesday at Eagles Square.
The PDP rally was earlier billed to hold at Old Parade Ground.
It would be recalled that the PDP rally scheduled for Saturday, February 9 in Abuja, was first shifted as it accused the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) of denying access to the venue, despite paying for it.
A text message by the PDP National Publicity Secretary and Director, Contact and Mobilization, Austin Akobundu, sent to party members did not however, give any reason for the cancellation of the mega rally.
The text message reads: “We regret to announce again the cancellation of our planned FCT Mega Rally initially scheduled for WEDNESDAY 13. 2019
“All inconveniences regrettable”.
With just 24 hours to the end of the campaigns, a source revealed that Atiku would end his campaign in his home state of Adamawa on Thursday, thereby leaving out Abuja in his nationwide rallies.
According to the time table and schedule of activities for the 2019 general elections published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly election will end on Thursday by 12 midnight, February 14 in accordance with section 99(1) of the Electoral Act 2010(as amended) which prohibits campaign 24 hours prior to day of election.
A top official of PDP who spoke to BusinessDay on condition of anonymity accused the governing party of frustrating the main opposition party.
“The APC wants to frustrate us by not only ensuring that there is a clash between the two parties in Abuja but we refuse to be provoked,” the source said.
Meanwhile, all is now set for the APC mega rally at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
President Muhammadu Buhari, the APC Presidential Candidate and his running mate, Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, Adams Oshiomhole, APC National Chairman, Ahmed Tinubu, APC National Leader, APC Governors and Governorship candidates, APC National Assembly members and candidates as well as other Chieftains of the party are expected to attend the event.
OWEDE AGBAJILEKE & JAMES KWEN, Abuja
