Kaduna Guber: PDP Candidate, ISA ASHIRU Reject Result, Heads to Tribunal
By Alex Uangbaoje, Kaduna
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the just concluded governorship election in Kaduna state, Hon. Isa Ashiru has rejected the outcome of the election.
Ashiru, during a press briefing on Monday evening, cited amongst other things; established irregularities, non-usage of the Card Readers by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and militarisation of some towns during the election.
The text reads in full; “let me begin this press briefing by expressing my appreciation to the people of Kaduna State especially those who cast their votes for our great Party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)and for showing support to us during the governorship and Houses of Assembly Elections which took place last Saturday the March 9th 2019.
“However, I wish to state without any fear of contradiction that reports obtained by our party from across the State indicate that the elections were marred by a lot of irregularities.
“It is on the basis of these established irregularities that our party in a petition to the State Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, rejected the results and called for its outright cancellation.
“Our dear members of the Media, it is important for you to note that available reports have shown that Smart Card Readers were not used during the elections in a lot of polling units in Giwa, Birnin Gwari, Kaduna North, Igabi, Zaria, Lere and Ikara Local Government Areas.
“It is our firm believe that the non-usage of the Card Readers which is a violation of the electoral guidelines have rendered the results from these areas invalid and should have been cancelled.
“Another issue of concern to our party was the clear militarization of the electoral process in various part of the State, as military personnel were used to intimidate voters particularly in the areas where our party has an overwhelming strength and support.
“Of a particular example is the use of military in Birnin Gwari and Kauru local government areas. Soldiers were also used to alter the result of our House of Assembly Candidate to in Makera Constituency of Kaduna South local government area.
“I am sure a lot of People in Kaduna State will consider it unbelievable the disparity between the numbers of votes obtained in the Presidential elections and the Governorship elections. How could the people of Kaduna State be convinced the APC could get more votes during the governorship elections than it got in the last Presidential elections?
“Based on this and other irregularities, I hereby stand by the position of my party to challenge the concocted results at the election tribunal to get back our stolen mandate.
“On this note, I therefore call on our supporters and citizens of Kaduna State to remain calm and be law abiding.”
