Don’t celebrate yet, Akpabio warns Akwa Ibom Gov after re-election

The All Progressives Congress stalwart and senator representing Akwa Ibom North West senatorial district, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday described Governor Udom Emmanuel ’ s victory in Saturday’ s governorship polls as a “ purchased victory which must be reclaimed. ”The Peoples Democratic Party candidate and re- elected governor of Akwa Ibom State , Udom Emmanuel , was , on Sunday, declared the winner of a total 519, 712 votes to defeat his APC candidate, Nsima Ekere who came behind with 171, 978 votes .

But speaking with our correspondent on the outcome of the elections in Uyo , Akwa Ibom State , Akapbio said it was too early for Governor Emmanuel to celebrate his victory, adding that the APC would exploit appropriate legal means to retrieve it .

He claimed that the results collated from the fields were different from the ones declared by the returning officers of the various local governments areas of the state , adding that APC won the elections at the polling units but lost at the INEC offices .

“ I was shocked when I saw the figures being brandished on the television .

“ I wondered if it they were the same results we got on the field that they were announcing on the television channels . This shows that Nigeria is in trouble .

“ I want to state categorically that those claiming victory, or those regarded as victors in the last election in Akwa Ibom State on the 9 th of March should regard it as purchased victory . It was money at work . The people ’ s hopes were dashed .

“ So, I want to tell Udom Emmanuel and his Peoples Democratic Party that it is too early to celebrate now . We will use appropriate legal means to reclaim that mandate ” Akpabio said .

Akpabio alleged that his local government , which reportedly gave the APC governorship candidate 74 , 000 votes at the local government collation centres , was reduced to only 60 , 000 in INEC office .

He accused INEC of “ employing PDP members as collation officers , ” stressing that 99 % of the collation officers , especially, those sent to his local government area , were card – carrying PDP members.

“ My prayer is that this is not what would befall Nigeria; otherwise , democracy is in peril . ”

In reaction , Akwa Ibom Resident Electoral Commissioner , Mr . Mike Igini, described the election as “ free , fair and credible. ”

He said , “ When we returned to Akwa Ibom one year , six months and 10 days ago, we promised that we were going to deliver integrity- driven electoral process and that all old things must past away

“ That is what we promised ; that is what we delivered . We provided leadership ; the people , the staff of the Commission and the entire electorate of this state . That is what we have done . ”

Download Edujandon.com News App QR-Code

Edujandon.com - 24/7 News Upda

Developer: Edujandon Enterprises

Price: Free