The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar yesterday accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of planning to rig the forthcoming general elections.

The former vice president, who spoke at the PDP Southeast rally in Owerri, the Imo State capital, urged the people to protect their votes by staying back at the polling units after casting their votes.

He added that except such measures were taken, the APC would manipulate the election.

He said: “APC is planning to rig the election. Please protect your votes. We have promised to restructure this country. APC is an evil party. They have turned this country as headquarter of poverty.”

He noted that under the APC, Nigeria has been made poorer.

“We are going to take over the country in the next election. Immediately after your vote, stay there and protect your vote. We want the economy to start growing again. We want you to vote PDP at all levels. Let nobody deceive you.”

Atiku went on to describe the APC as an evil party that wants to sink Nigeria, if not stopped.

PDP vice presidential candidate Peter Obi stated that the Southeast will vote for Atiku.

“He is the one to develop Igboland. He has promised us restructuring. He will revamp the economy of Nigeria. Igbo people will vote Atiku Abubakar,” he said.

Senate President Bukola Saraki said: “We have come here to see that the entire Southeast zone is part of the making of Atiku as the next president. Let me tell you, he has the capacity to make Nigeria united. I know that Nigerians are not happy the way it is now. Believe me, Atiku will solve the whole problems.”