Akwa Ibom: Election Observer Vows To Expose PDP

An election observer in the gubernatorial election that took place in Akwa Ibom state during the general elections earlier this year, has vowed to testify against the Peoples Democratic Party in the state’s election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja. 

Idris Usman, who is the national coordinator of a civil society organisation, Believe Nigeria Initiative (BNI), stated that elections did not take place in most parts of the state.

Speaking with Leadership today, Usman said it was unfortunate that the ruling party in the state was claiming victory at an election that was marred by irregularities.

He said: “I am ready to testify at the Akwa Ibom electoral tribunal that what was witnessed in the state on April 11 was everything but short of a credible elections. I am willing to do this for the interest of the good people of Akwa Ibom, because posterity will judge all of us. For as I am concerned, the current state governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel is sitting on a stolen and unmerited mandate.

“It is high time we exposed the evil taking place in our land, for the proper things to be done. People should be allowed to make their choice and decide who governs them, and not be held hostage by a few individuals acting as gods and deciding the fate of the people.

“I happen to be in Akwa Ibom State during the election as an observer. I covered all the areas, including Ikot Ekpene and its environs. And I must say that every area I went to with my team, we discovered that election did not take place. We have all the evidence and documented all the irregularities and malpractices. It was as if people were paid to ensure that no one came out to cast their votes.

“In some places, all we saw were thugs, corps members and INEC officials at deserts polling units. In some other places, we were harassed and asked to turn back. This was the case in almost all the senatorial districts, we also went to the borderline of Akwa Ibom and Abia and there were voters in sight, yet results were announced in these areas.”

He noted that electoral offenders must be brought to book and punished, saying electoral offences can be likened to crimes against the state and humanity.

Meanwhile, the state’s tribunal case has been getting a lot of attention from Nigeria’s social media community which has been paying so much attention to the ongoing case.