Governor Idris Wada of Kogi state has said that the election petition tribunal will bring to an end the confusion surrounding the governorship polls.
While addressing stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the government House, Lokoja, Wada said the tribunal will decide on if it’s legal to have two candidates in the course of election and if a person’s votes could be transferred to another, Vanguard reports.
According to Wada, his decision to challenge the result of the election is not personal but it’s aimed at seeking proper interpretation of the law and relevant sections of the constitution and the Electoral Act in connection with the election.
He said: “We are contesting the election in court on the basis of malpractices and also issues regarding the application of the law, the constitution and the Electoral Act. It is not a personal thing. It is purely a legal issue and we need those relevant sections of our electoral laws to be properly interpreted in view of the unique incidents that happened in connection with this election.
“We believe that posterity has entrusted this responsibility on our party to seek interpretation of these issues. As a person, I do not have problems with anyone. I am a peace loving person but the issue at stake is a constitutional one that must be given attention for the sake of posterity.
“As my tenure winds up on January 27, 2016, I have already constituted a transition committee to ensure smooth handover of power. This is our obligation as a government. However, with the Governorship Election Tribunal already in place, we shall soon be going before them to ask germane questions.
“As far as the law is concerned, we have not seen where it was written that a person’s votes can be transferred to another. We are sure of victory.”
The unexpected situation that occurred in Kogi state’s political landscape had left some questions unanswered as to what the stand of the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act really states regarding the substitution of a party candidate when the cold hands of death cuts short the life Prince Audu Abubakar.
Credits: Vanguard
