Pulse.ng : PRP rejects Kaduna LG election results, calls for cancellation

By Sani Idris

The People's Redemption Party (PRP), has rejected the outcome of the concluded Saturday Local Government elections, while calling for its cancellation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the APC, won all the chairmanship seats at all the 23 LGAs of the state and all the councilorship seats.

This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen on Wednesday in Kaduna by Aliyu Kantoma, the Ag. Chairman of the PRP, Kaduna State Chapter.

Kantoma said the party stood united in their vehement rejection of the purported results of the Local Government elections held on Saturday.

According to him, the electoral exercise was marred by gross irregularities and blatant electoral malpractice.

"From all indications and reports we have received from the field, it is abundantly clear that the elections did not hold in most polling units across Kaduna State.

"Election materials arrived tardily, often without the crucial results sheets, leaving our electorate rightfully suspicious of an orchestrated scheme designed to disenfranchise them.

"We also witnessed and recorded thumb printing of ballot papers in many places as well as destruction of ballot papers and saw video clip of a courageous and God fearing electoral officer saying that no elections took place in an entire local government,"Kantoma said.

He therefore said as a result of the incidents, the people of Kaduna State, in a commendable show of civic responsibility, refused to partake in an electoral process that was clearly compromised.

"Given that the elections did not take place as stipulated, there can be no legitimate declaration of results, particularly at the Wards and Local Government Headquarters levels as stipulated by the law.

"Yet, we have witnessed the disturbing emergence of doctored documents circulating on social media purported KAD-SIECOM results sheets that unjustly allocated votes to candidates of the ruling party, APC, despite the absence of any valid results from our polling stations.

"It would be a grave injustice, not only to our party but to the very fabric of democracy in Kaduna State, if Governor Uba Sani was to legitimize the announcement made by Hajia Hajara Mohammed as the official results of what can only be described as a sham election," he added.

According to him, such actions would not only erode the integrity and trustworthiness of Governor Uba Sani among the citizens of the state but also set a perilous precedent for future electoral processes.

Kantoma therefore lament the disheartening trend nationwide that has seen State Governors consolidating power, rendering local government elections, mere formalities that prioritize their party's interests.

He emphasised that the flagrant disregard for democratic norms is a cancer that must be treated with urgency.

"We can not remain silent as we witness the erosion of democracy and justice in our beloved state. Gov. Uba Sani must acknowledge the distinctive characteristics of Kaduna State, a place known for its advanced, cosmopolitan society, yet grappling with volatility.

"In his capacity as the Governor of this State, he must act honourably and uphold the principles of democracy. It is our position that the APC can not unjustly claim victory across all 23 Local Government Areas of Kaduna State. If they wish to truly earn the trust and respect of the people, it must be done through a legitimate and lawful process.

He therefore said they demand an immediate cancellation of the purported election results and the expedient conduct of a fresh elections in a fair, free, and credible manner.

He also demanded an immediate resignation or removal of the KAD-SIECOM Chairperson, who has proven herself unfit for the critical role in the electoral process, demonstrating a complete lack of the integrity and competence required to ensure free and fair elections.

Kantoma called on the Kaduna State House of Assembly to amend the KAD-SIECOM law to incorporate severe penalties, including hefty fines and imprisonment, for those found guilty of electoral offenses, especially those in positions of authority overseeing electoral matters.

He urged Governor Uba Sani to reflect deeply upon the events of the saturday elections and act with decorum in a respectable manner befitting his office, which would fortify democracy in Kaduna State.

"Failing to do so will not only read as a grave disservice to the citizens of Kaduna but will also sow seeds of distrust and resentment amongst our people.

"What was presented by Hajia Hajara Mohammed stands not as a testament to our democratic processes but rather an outrageous charade, an insult to the collective sensibility of our citizenry, and a massive step backward for Kaduna State.

"We stand firm, we stand united, and will use all legitimate means of fighting what happened last Saturday until justice is served,"Kantoma said.