Ayekooto Akindele, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has criticized former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai following early trends in the ongoing by-election in parts of the state.
Although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not released official results, early returns indicate that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is taking the lead.
El-Rufai Supports ADC in By-Election
El-Rufai had campaigned vigorously for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party recently embraced by members of the coalition of opposition leaders.
His active involvement was seen as an attempt to influence the outcome in favor of the ADC.
Ayekooto Accuses El-Rufai of Power Grab
Reacting to the emerging results, Ayekooto, on his official X handle, alleged that El-Rufai aimed to “grab power in Kaduna State.”
He stated, “El-Rufai’s main calculation is to use the tribalistic anti-Tinubu coalition to grab power in Kaduna State so as to settle his envy scores with the People’s Governor Uba Sani.”
Ayekooto added, “Unfortunately for him, Kaduna people said loudly today that UBA SANI IS THEIR LEADER.”
Early By-Election Results
Some polling units and wards have released preliminary results for the Chikun-Kajuru federal constituency.
In Kufana Monday Market, Kufana Ward, Kajuru Local Government Area, the PDP leads with 45 votes.
The APC follows with 13 votes, while the ADC received only two votes in the polling unit.
Kadunans Show Support for Uba Sani
The early trends suggest that Kaduna residents have favored Governor Uba Sani’s leadership, sending a strong message to opposition figures like El-Rufai.
The by-election is being closely watched as it reflects political sentiments in the state.