Sokoto PDP rejects polls results, Tambuwal calls for calm ...My re-election divine – Wamakko

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State has rejected the results of Saturday’s elections in the state over alleged irregularities.

The party alleged that the elections were rigged in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing newsmen in Sokoto yesterday, the state chairman of the party, Alhaji Ibrahim Milgoma, alleged that there were cases of vote-buying and intimidation in some polling units.

He also accused the police and some INEC officials of aiding rigging in some polling units.

Similarly, the secretary of the party alleged that some of their polling agents and leaders were arrested and detained by the police during the election and released after results were declared.

“We thought the election would be free, fair and credible as promised by the APC government, but turned out to be the worst ever in the history of our democracy,” he alleged.

When asked whether their rejection affect areas where the PDP won, he said: “we are rejecting only those rigged by APC.”

Reacting, APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Alhaji Sambo Bello Danchadi, said: “We are not unaware of the failed attempts made by our opponents to use huge financial and material inducements with a view to buying votes.”

“The machinery of government and state resources was also unjustifiably used to intimidate and induce voters. Inspite of this, the electorate patriotically chose to massively vote for our party.”

Similarly, the spokesman of the state police command, Muhammad Sadiq, said he was not aware of the alleged involvement of the police in election rigging in the state.

In a related development, Governor Aminu Tambuwal, in a state broadcast yesterday, called for calm, saying “We demand a chance for our people to choose or reject us in their own free will.

“As the governorship and state assembly elections approach, I call on the people of Sokoto state to rededicate ourselves to the process.”

Meanwhile, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (APC, Sokoto North), told newsmen yesterday that his re-election into the Senate was divine, noting that “It is not money or grab of power.”

Wamakko expressed said the All Progressives Congress remained committed to sustainable peace and unity of Nigeria.

He urged Nigerians to remain calm and accept the verdict of the electorate in good faith and with maturity.