APC rejects INEC’s decision to announce guber poll‎ results from Bauchi LG

The decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to re-collate and adopt the governorship election results from Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, has been rejected by the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Expressing its displeasure over the decision by INEC at a Press Conference in Bauchi on Saturday, the party stated that the action taken by the electoral body was null and void.

According to Alhaji Uba Ahmed Nana, the state chairman of the party, the position taken by INEC contravened the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.

Nana said; “Considering the letters and spirit of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended), and the INEC Guidelines for 2019 General Elections, INEC is not empowered to reverse any decision taken at the Collation Center by the Returning Officer appointed for that purpose.

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“Such decisions can only be reversed by a Court of law, especially when INEC cannot Approbate and Reprobate.

“The party also accused the Festus Okoye-led committee of denying it fair hearing as its agent were not invited during the hearing to ascertain the circumstances leading to the cancellation of the Tafawa Balewa local government election result.

“The composition of the committee is also questionable as the Committee chairman, Festus Okoye Esq, is a close ally of and ex-personal Solicitor of Hon. Yakubu Dogara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“No justice can be done by the committee chairman who is interested in the whole issues and the instant circumstances,” he added.

After cancelling the supplementary governorship elections, INEC said an approval for the resumption, conclusion and announcement of the result of the Tafawa Balewa Local Government in relation to the Governorship election has been given.

INEC in a statement issued on Friday by its National Commissioner, Festus Okoye said the commission has also announced the change of the Collation Officer for Tafawa Balewa Local Government who reportedly stepped down from her role due to death threats.

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