The candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in Kogi State, Muritala Ajaka has raised concerns on the conduct of Saturday’s governorship election particularly in the collation centres at Ogori Magongo area.
Ajaka’s media aide, Mr Faruk Adejoh-Audu, alleged that results sheets were missing in Ogori Magongo collation centres, implying potential irregularities in the election process.
The SDP candidate, who had agents stationed at various points across the State, expressed dissatisfaction with the alleged malpractices reported by his agents.
According to Ajaka, the situation was particularly dire in Olamaboro Ward 5, where agents from all parties had escorted INEC officials to the ward headquarters the night before.
However, upon returning in the morning to commence the deployment of materials to polling units, they discovered that the entire INEC staff, materials, and security personnel had disappeared.
Ajaka also highlighted an incident involving an All Progressives Congress ,APC, Council Chairman who was reportedly caught by security agents with thugs transporting large sums of cash in the early hours of Saturday. Despite being paraded by security agents, the APC Council Chairman was allegedly released later.
These developments prompted the SDP candidate to bring attention to the reported malpractices and manipulations in the election.
He called on the INEC National Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, the Returning Officer for Kogi State, election observers (both local and international), and the heads of security agencies to address the alleged breaches and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
As the election unfolds, these allegations underscore the significance of transparency and fairness in ensuring a credible outcome, while also reflecting the challenges and suspicions that can accompany the electoral process.
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