The All Progressives Congress (APC), has sadly mourned the death of its governorship candidate in Kogi State, Abubakar Audu.
The National Secretary of the APC, Mala Buni, in a statement said “Mr Audu was certainly one of our stars, a democrat par excellence, a development-oriented leader and a beacon for the liberation of Kogi State from its apparent decay.
“He was a Prince of hope, a symbol of peace and an apostle of unity and reintegration of Kogi State.
“We commiserate with his family and the great people of Kogi State for having a strong belief in Mr Audu’s capacity to redeem the state”.
The statement further read that the demise of Mr Audu had no doubt created a big vacuum in Kogi State and the APC. The party, however, said it took solace in the fact that God gives and God takes.
“He might have physically transited, but he will forever be spiritually and politically relevant not only in Kogi State but in Nigeria.
“We appeal to the people of the state to see Audu’s death as an act of God. There should be no recourse to lawlessness or vindictiveness in whatever form.
“The only honour we can do Mr Audu is to remain peaceful and resolve to be undaunted in preserving the adorable ideals he lived for. It was evident to all that he ran a good race, he played his part well and he earned a rare rating as an exemplary leader.
“We will not abandon Mr Audu even in death because his legacies are timeless, his virtues can withstand all seasons and his vision remains immortal”, the statement read.
Rule Of Law
The APC, however, urged its members and supporters in Kogi State and nationwide not to allow their spirit to be dampened by the sudden passage of Mr Audu.
“The party should be united in mourning and be encouraged to effect the desired change in Kogi State through the ballot anytime, any day.
On the Independent National Electoral Commission’s position that the November 21, 2015 governorship poll in Kogi State was inconclusive, Mr Buni said that APC was studying the declaration of the Returning Officer, Professor Emmanuel Kucha, who is the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
Professor Kucha had based his decision on Section M, Paragraph 4 (Page 22) of INEC Approved Guidelines and Regulations for the Conduct of the 2015 General Elections.
The APC, nonetheless, believes in the rule of law, strict adherence to 1999 Constitution and Electoral Act 2010(as Amended).
“Our government was a product of the rule of law, we have absolute faith in the nation’s law and we will not in any manner, undermine the law. Our observations and position will be within the laws of the land.
“The situation in Kogi State is a test case for the rule of law and our growing democracy. APC is committed to its pledge to ensure a sustainable democracy in the country”, the party said.
