Melaye vs Adeyemi: Update On Kogi West Rerun Election

The Kogi West supplementary election holding across 53 polling units has been marred with voters’ apathy.

Newsmen who visited some affected polling units in Lokoja where elections were cancelled reports that elections material arrived as early as 8am.

Some polling units visited included Paparanda Square, and Maigairi Palace.

Some electorates said some people decided to shun the process over fair of possible attack by suspected thugs as witnessed on November 16th.

A voter who spoke on the condition of anonymity said, ” You already know some of the reasons why voters decided to stay back at home. I’m here to fully all righteousness. Last Saturday in Kogi was a theatre of war. We saw men in police uniform invading polling units to cause mayhem on the people and snatch ballot boxes.

“You are a journalist, you could attest to the fact that over five persons lost their lives here in Lokoja. As if that was not enough, we could attest to the fact that helicopter bullets in several places hit residents who are not even outside to cast their votes.

“So with this, nobody wants to come out and vote over the fear that he might be hit by bullet or get killed. I must tell you, this does not speak well for our democracy. If this continues, nobody will be willing to come out and vote in the future”.

However, voting has been concluded and counting of votes has started in the 53 polling units where the senatorial rerun election took place today.

Early report shows that in GRA Asuta ward 01 Kabba, APC had 254 while PDP had 95; But in the same town, Town Hall, polling Unit 002, Asuta Ward, APC had 48 while PDP had 98.

With other results yet to be collated, the PDP candidate, Senator Dino Melaye has raised the red flag again, alleging alteration of results.

In a tweet, he commended the voters in the district for voting for him, against the APC rival, Smart Adeyemi. At the same time, he claimed magic results were emerging.

“Im very proud of the electorates in Kogi West. You voted me today but prepared results already in place. We will fight to the end. illegality shall never stand. Magic results everywhere,” Melaye tweeted.

After sorting and counting in each affected polling unit, the results will be taken to the Local Government for further addition. They will thereafter be transferred to Lokoja for final collation and announcement.