APC Accuses PDP of Disrupting Dekina/Okura Assembly Election

Addressing journalists yesterday in Ayingba, Dekina Local Government, APC returning officer in the area, Patrick Ojogbane, alleged that thugs loyal to PDP, snatched and destroyed election materials during voters accreditation at some polling units in Iyale and Egume communities.

He alleged that fake ballot papers were also brought to several polling units in Ayingba and its environs, while the originals were being thumb printed by members of the PDP at Kogi State University quest house and three other locations.

“We reported the matter to the police station at Ayingba, but they ignored us. We also attempted to invade the area but the institution’s security denied us access.  When the pressure was much, the police went there and arrested Special Assistant to the governor on MDGs, Haliru Abdul and two others. When we got to the police station, the AIG told us that they have been taken to Lokoja, but we later discovered that they were taken to Idah, where a deal was struck to release them,” he said.

The APC accused the Ayingba Divisional Police Officer of complicity in the matter, alleging that he did not respond to their complaint when the issue was reported. He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to fix a date for re-run of the election.

Patrick appealed to party supporters to be law abiding and patiently wait for a new date to be fixed for a rerun.
Responding, Special Assistant to the governor on MDGs, Haliru Abdul, denied the allegations, saying that he moved to the guest house due to threat to his life.

He alleged that some youths loyal to the APC attacked his house and that of his father.

“While I was at the guest house, they came with the police and the police searched the place but nothing was found on me. As I was with the police, the youths stormed the area with dangerous weapons to attack me, but I manage to escaped through the help of the police. My official car was burnt down,” he said.

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