Kwara by-election result foretells brighter days ahead ― APC gov candidate

This is just as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has condemned the conduct of the Saturday’s by-election in the federal Constituency, saying that the election was characterised by irregularities including the indiscriminate arrest of its members, vote buying and intimidation of voters by thugs and security agents deployed for the election.

In a statement by the APC governorship candidate in Ilorin on Sunday, he said that the success of issue-based campaign before the election had sent a strong message to rest of Nigeria that people in the state, through their votes, embrace peace, security and progress.

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“We congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, national and our State party leaders and executives for their inspired support, leadership and good work in the successful outcome of this election which represents a total rejection of the retrogressive forces bent on frustrating the development and progress of our dear Kwara State.

“This victory represents a great leap in our people’s lifelong yearning for political freedom, good governance, development, accountability and integrity. It is the beginning of the end for characters who have held our dear state to ransom, characters who have made Kwara and its people the butt of national jokes! The outcome, more than anything else, asserts the fact that our people have had enough of the status quo. They are saying enough is enough and the time to move Kwara to the next level is now.

However, the PDP, in a statement by its State Publicity Secretary, Mr Tunde Ashaolu, said the election was characterised by widespread irregularities including the indiscriminate arrest of its members, vote buying and intimidation of voters by thugs and security agents deployed for the election.

“This unfortunate situation was responsible for the low turnout of voters in most areas as they were scared of the security crackdown and threats by the imported thugs.”

It also accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies of conniving with the All Progressives Congress, APC, to manipulate the electoral process.

The PDP added that the partisanship and unprofessionalism exhibited by the security agents and the electoral body do not guarantee that the outcome of the election will reflect the will of the people.

The party, however, commended its members and supporters for going out to participate in the election not minding the intimidation tactics of the APC, and for conducting themselves in a civil, peaceful and orderly manner.