From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Kaduna State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday rejected the results of the re-run election held in Kudan, Giwa West, Kauru and Sanga State House of Assembly constituencies.
The party claimed that the re-election was marred by violence, thuggery, ballot snatching and intimidation of voters.
In a protest letter signed by the Kaduna State PDP Secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu Wusono, further alleged that their agents were beaten and sent away from polling units and results in collation centres.
The PDP’s letter which was addressed to the Kaduna state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Independent National Electoral Commission, called on INEC to reject the run-election results.
PDP said: ”I have been directed to officially draw your attention to the above subject matter and our earlier letter to you on the Kudan re-run elections.
“You are aware that the re-run elections held in four State House of Assembly Constituencies in Kaduna State namely Kudan, Giwa West, Kauru and Sanga”
The party noted: “As permitted by law, we sent our agents at both the polling units where the elections held or were to hold, and the collation centres. However, the reports we received from our agents showed that the election was marred by violence, thuggery, ballot box snatching, assault and battery, use of compromised security agents to harass, intimidate and chase out our supporters and agents from the polling units and the collation centres. Votes buying by the ruling party”
“As aforementioned, examples include but are not limited to our Party Returning Agent at the Kudan Collation Center, Hon. Abdullahi S. Ahmed was beaten up. He was beaten and forced out of the collation centre for opposing a wrong that was being perpetrated”
PDP added: “We, therefore, state unequivocally that we will not accept any results brought to you because the elections were not free and fair. So, while we look forward to you to use your good office to ensure the rejection of the results, accept our assurances of the highest esteem, please” Wusono said.
However, the spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Kaduna state chapter, Salisu Tanko Wusono did not return calls over PDP claims.