The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River says it rejects the proposal by government to install caretaker committees in 18 Local Government areas of the state.
It insisted that elections must be held in the councils as stipulated by law.
The party’s stand was contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Calabar, signed by the state Acting Chairman, Mr John Ochala and National Vice Chairman, South-South, Ntufam Hilliard-Eta.
“Our intelligence reports have it that the state governor does not want to conduct local government polls as at when due.
“And of course we have put into motion some strategies within the ambit of the law to checkmate such moves.
“If our suspicion is confirmed then Gov. Ayade will meet us at the appropriate point.
“In Cross River State we will not accept caretaker appointments in councils, we will go for elections,’’ it stated.
It stated that the PDP was scared of the rising profile of APC in the state, and planned to set up caretaker committees to avoid defeat at the polls.
“We suspect that because of the rising profile of the APC in Cross River State, the governor is scared to his wits end on how to conduct elections.
“As I speak to you, if election is conducted today, APC will defeat Ayade even in his Obudu Local Government area.
“We are prepared for the elections; so let the PDP put their popularity to the test by conducting local government elections.’’
The APC said it was time for Supreme Court to make a definite pronouncement on the issue of local government caretaker committees.
Contacted on the matter, Mr Christian Ita, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Ben Ayade, said that the government would“ not react to speculations’’.
Ita said: “There is time for politics and elections. This is time for governance. Right now, are you aware of any APC state that conducted council polls?’’
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