By: Core Movement for National Unity
The Core Movement for National Unity, FCT Chapter, is alarmed by the staggering election results in the Kogi State 2023 governorship election, particularly in five local government areas where over-voting clearly occurred.
Despite clear evidence of electoral malpractices, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) went ahead to announce the results, contravening Section 52(2) of the 2022 Electoral Act.
The Electoral Act clearly states that: “Where the total number of votes cast at an election in any polling unit exceeds the total number of accredited voters in that polling unit, the presiding officer shall cancel the result of the election in that polling unit.”
The Kogi State governorship election tribunal in Abuja examined over 505 BVA machines and uncovered shocking abnormalities that took place in almost all the polling units in the 564 polling units across Okene, Okehi, Adavi, Ajaokuta, and Lokoja Local Government Areas. These irregularities include:
– Okene LGA: 60,054 accredited voters, but 138,857 votes announced.
– Adavi LGA: 34,638 accredited voters, but 85,570 votes announced.
– Okehi LGA: 16,094 accredited voters, but 39,004 votes announced.
– Lokoja LGA: 2,045 accredited voters, but 9,345 votes announced.
– Ajaokuta LGA: 5,237 accredited voters, but 12,681 votes announced.
We appeal to the Supreme Court to scrutinize these figures and ensure justice is served.
We propose that 276,815 allotted votes from the affected LGAs be struck out from the APC’s total of 446,237 votes, and 3,123 allotted votes be struck out from the SDP’s total of 259,052 votes. This would result in valid votes of APC: 169,422 and SDP: 255,920.
It is shocking to see INEC declaring such results laced with obvious electoral malpractices, and the election tribunal and appeal court upholding it. This is a clear betrayal of the trust reposed in these institutions to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process.
This injustice is not just against Muritala Ajaka of the SDP but against the entire good people of Kogi State and Nigerians at large. It undermines the very foundation of our democracy and sends a wrong signal that electoral malpractices will be condoned.
We urge the Supreme Court to save our democracy by overturning this blatant electoral robbery.
The people of Kogi State deserve a free and fair election, and we will not stand idly by while their voices are silenced.
The implications of allowing this electoral injustice to stand are far-reaching and chilling. If such blatant manipulation of the electoral process is condoned, it sets a dangerous precedent for future elections, undermining the legitimacy of our democratic institutions and the trust of the electorate.
It is imperative that the Supreme Court takes a strong stance against electoral malpractices and upholds the principles of free and fair elections, ensuring that the will of the people is truly reflected in the outcome.
