The Independence National Electoral Commission INEC has declared the Kogi state gubernatorial election inconclusive due to the gap between cancelled votes and the wining margin.
Few hours after this declaration by INEC, Prince Abubakar Audu the APC governorship candidate died. The country has never had any situation whereby a candidate in a governorship election dies after the election is declared inconclusive, this has led to a constitutional controversy in the country.
As of now, the APC is said to be studying the scenario and hoping to take a decision soon. In a statement issued by the APC national publicity secretary, Mai Mala Buni, the party said its response to the matter would however be based on the constitution. The statement reads:
“On INEC’s position that the November 21, 2015 governorship poll in Kogi State was inconclusive, APC is studying the declaration of the Returning Officer, Prof. Emmanuel Kucha, who is the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, based on Section M, Paragraph 4(Page 22) of INEC Approved Guidelines and Regulations for the Conduct of the 2015 General Elections.
“APC believes in the rule of law, strict adherence to 1999 Constitution and Electoral Act 2010(as Amended). “Our government was a product of the rule of law. We have absolute faith in the nation’s law and we will not in any manner undermine the law. Our observations and position will be within the laws of the land”.
“The situation in Kogi State is a test case for the rule of law and our growing democracy. APC is committed to its pledge to ensure a sustainable democracy in the country”, it said.
The party has described Audu as a star and democrat while the party stated that it would not abandon its candidate even in death while sympathizing with the deceased family. The party went further to appeal to the people of the state and indeed its supporters to remain calm in the face of this unwanted development.
“The All Progressives Congress(APC) sadly mourns the death of its governorship candidate in Kogi State, His Excellency, Prince Abubakar Audu. He was certainly one of our stars, a democrat par excellence, a development-oriented leader and a beacon for the liberation of Kogi State from its apparent decay. He was a Prince of hope, a symbol of peace and an apostle of unity and reintegration of Kogi State.
“We commiserate with his family and the great people of Kogi State for having a strong belief in Abubakar Audu’s capacity to redeem the state.
“The demise of Prince Abubakar Audu has no doubt created a big vacuum in Kogi State and APC but we take solace in the fact that God gives, God takes. He might have physically transited but he will forever be spiritually and politically relevant not only in Kogi State but in Nigeria.
“We appeal to the people of the state to see Audu’s death as an act of God. There should be no recourse to lawlessness or vindictiveness in whatever form. The only honour will can do Prince Abubakar Audu is to remain peaceful and resolve to be undaunted in preserving the adorable ideals he lived for. It was evident to all that he ran a good race, he played his part well and he earned a rare rating as an exemplary leader
We will not abandon Prince Abubakar Audu even in death because his legacies are timeless, his virtues can withstand all seasons and his vision remains immortal.
“APC urges its members and supporters in Kogi Statee and nationwide not to allow their spirit to be dampened by the sudden passage of the great Prince Abubakar Audu. Rather, the party should be united in mourning and be encouraged to effect the desired change in Kogi State through the ballot anytime, any day”, the statement said.
The APC deputy national publicity secretary, Mr. Timi Frank in a statement on Monday stated that the party shall explore all choices and act within the law to find alternatives to Audu.
“We are exploring all known choices and alternatives to us in line with our party’s dictates and respect of the rule of law as is in conformity with laid down laws and rules of our country.
“The past 24 hours has been that of gloom, pain, shock and grief which best describes the death of the strongman of Kogi Politics, a dependable party man and our governorship candidate in last Saturday’s election, Prince Abubakar Audu, who was clearly headed for victory having lead with the most votes.
“To say that we are shocked and dumbfounded at Audu’s death is to scratch our pains on the surface as the Kogi Prince typified what a real democrat radiates. A politician who chose to remain in opposition after losing his governorship in 2003 despite the intimidations on him but rather chose to see the nation get its deserved change in leadership”, Frank said.
