Ahead of the release of the final result of the February 18 governorship election in Sokoto state, the candidate of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), Alhaji Yusha’u Ahmed, has declared that the party will not accept the election result being released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking to journalists in Sokoto, Alhaji Ahmed accused the Nigeria Police Force e and the electoral body of rigging the election in favour of the ruling People’s Democratic Party.
The ANPP candidate, who is vying for the office with 29 other aspirants, alleged that the electoral body and the officers of Nigerian Police Force are aiding the rigging. “The Police prevented some of our (ANPP) agents from monitoring the election in some local government areas on the outskirt of the state while others were made to sign result sheets under duress at Gwadabawa local government area” he alleged.
The result is still being collated.
Reacting to the allegation, the Sokoto State Police Public Relations Officer, Al-Mustapha Sani denied that the claim that Police aided any political party.
INEC’s Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Muhammed Musa also debunked the allegation saying the commission has not received any formal complaint of irregularity from any of the political parties. He added that the commission prepared adequately for the election as the results are being collated.
As the final result of the election is being awaited, the chairman, strategy committee of the Police Service Commission Dr Otive Igbuzor has decried the use of money to influence voters by politicians.
Speaking to Channels Television in Sokoto, Dr Igbuzor said the open distribution of money in some polling stations to sway the mind of voters is a clear violation of the electoral act.
He however commended INEC for the timely and effective distribution of election materials and the security agencies for providing adequate security throughout the state.
