By Ken Afor
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State, Dino Melaye, has alleged plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rig the ongoing election in the state following the discovery of filled election results in Ogori/Magongo, Eika/Ohizenyi and other parts of the state.
Dino, a former Senator on his X account on Saturday morning said: “APC is trying to compromise the election in Ogori/Msngogo LGA..”
“Already filled result sheets before accreditation. APC is trying to compromise the election in Ogori/Msngogo Local Government of Kogi State. Kogites resist evil.”
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said its officials are looking into the matter and a decision will be communicated “earnestly”.
“Our attention has been drawn to a report that filled result sheets were discovered in some polling units in Kogi State.
“The Commission views this situation seriously.
“Our senior officials deployed to the State are currently investigating the incident(s). The Commission will communicate its decision earnestly,” the commission said.
This trails an alarm raised by a civil society organisation, YIAGA Africa, on Saturday morning, expressing concern about the discovery of forged election results at a polling unit in Kogi, prior to the commencement and completion of the vote in the state.
“Dear @inecnigeria we received a report of a pre-filled results sheet discovered in PU 004, Eni Ward of Ogori/magongo in Kogi State before commencement of voting. Kindly investigate and address this issue promptly to safeguard the integrity of the process. #KogiDecides2023,” stated on X.
YIAGA Africa also urged INEC to probe the matter and “promptly safeguard the integrity of the process”.
The tally of registered voters in Kogi State is 1,932,654, of which 1,833,160 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) have been collected – 44% (850,000) of which is comprised of youths, and 32% (341,000) belonging to the middle-aged.
For the November 11, 2023 election in Kogi, there are 18 candidates in the running. Notable among them are Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Leke Abejide of the African Democratic Party (ADC), and Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ex-Auditor General of Local Government in Kogi, Usman Ododo representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), is also a strong contender.
The off-cycle election is also being held in Imo and Bayelsa states.
