The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the result of Niger East Senatorial bye-election, accused their opponents from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in unfair practices.
This message was delivered by party’s spokesperson in the state, Jonathan Vatsa, who declared that the result announced by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was unacceptable to the party, Punch reports.
“In some instances, people’s votes were purchased for N30,000 each. District, village and ward heads were intimidated and ordered to ensure victory for the PDP at their places of influence or have their appointments terminated,” Vasta declared.
The APC noted that top government officials in Hilux trucks were stationed at polling units and openly induced voters with cash and fabrics.
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However, the Returning Officer for the election, Prof Wole Moreniekeje, did not confirm such allegations, said that Zagbayi of the PDP have certified the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes and was declared an undisputed winner.
Governor of Niger State, Babagida Aliyu, is also sure that the result was fair. In his reaction, he dedicated the victory of the PDP to the people of the state. He said that Zagbayi’s victory was a reflection of the confidence the people have in the party.
The main opposition force of Nigeria wondered what moral right Governor Aliyu had to say that the victory for PDP was a reflection of the confidence the people have in the party, when he knew that the conduct of the election contravened the Electoral Act.
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The APC is still studying the election result and would soon make a pronouncement on its next line of action.
It would be recalled that Dr Shem Nuhu Zagbayi of the Peoples Democratic Party won Sunday’s, September 7, bye-election.
In a pretty tight competition, Zagbayi polled 92,056 votes. Barrister David Umaru of the All Progressives Congress, who got 87,405 votes, has rejected the result.
Nevertheless, the INEC issued certificate of return to the Niger East Senator-elect, Zagbayi, on September 9, 2014, Tuesday. PDP politician can now start his preparations for 2015.
“I won the Gold medal whether it is a close margin or wide margin,” he concluded upon receiving the document.
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