David Awoyode
The Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the results of the August 16 bye-election for the Okura State Constituency in Dekina Local Government Area, demanding the cancellation of the exercise and the conduct of a fresh poll.
Party Alleges Widespread Irregularities
In a statement issued in Abuja, the state chairman, Enemona Anyebe, said the election was marred by irregularities, including voter disenfranchisement. According to him, voting did not take place in several polling units, while in other areas, electoral materials were either unavailable or inaccessible.
PDP Questions Credibility of INEC’s Figures
The PDP also disputed the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which declared 55,073 votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and 1,038 for the PDP. The opposition party argued that the figures were inconsistent with the 2023 general election results and improbable given reports of low voter turnout.
Call for Transparent Review
The party urged INEC to conduct a transparent review of the exercise, while appealing to INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to take decisive steps to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
PDP Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful Democracy
“As a responsible political party, we have remained calm and restrained in our response because we believe democracy must thrive without conflict,” the statement concluded.
