By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has vowed to challenge the validity of the October 19 Local Government elections across the state in a court of law.
The party condemned what it described as the clandestine swearing-in of the 23 local government council Chairmen in the state by Gov. Uba Sani, saying the exercise was a shame and an attack on the nation’s democracy.
PUNCH recalls that the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KADSIECOM), had declared candidates of All Progressives Congress (APC) winners of all the 23 chairmanship and 255 councilorship seats in the state.
Hajara Mohammed, KADSIECOM’s Chairman, disclosed this on Saturday, October 19, in Kaduna.
Mohammed said: “The Electoral and Returning Officers have filed their reports; APC won all the 23 chairmanship and 255 councillorship seats.”
However, PDP, made its position known on Friday night in a statement signed by Maria Dogo, its Publicity Secretary, made available to newsmen in Kaduna.
The statement said: “PDP is not surprised by this secretive move, as it is clear that these individuals were never elected by the people but imposed by the dictator in Sir Kashim Ibrahim House.
“We reiterate that no Local Government council election was held in Kaduna State on October 19.
‘Any exercise, including the issuance of certificates of return, swearing-in, or assumption of office by these impostors, is, therefore, futile and will not stand the test of time and the law.
“The PDP assures the good people of Kaduna State that we are already in court challenging the validity of the election law passed and hurriedly smuggled into the electoral process.”
The statement added that the supposed law provided the faulty basis for the corrupt, insane, and poorly executed political brigandage by “Gov Uba Sani, the APC, and their shameless KADSIECOM Chairperson, Haj. Hajara Mohammed.
KADSIECOM shamelessly declared APC the winner of the 23 chairmanship and 255 councillorship seats in an election that never took place.
“We promise to pursue this case up to the Supreme Court to ensure justice and protect democracy in Kaduna State.”
It advised those it described as “conscripted council chairmen whose stay in office would be short-lived”, that they would be held accountable for any mismanagement of local government funds.
The statement reminded the chairmen that they were appointed by the governor “to serve as conduit for siphoning the monthly federal allocation.”
It further added that the APC’s actions were a call to anarchy and self-help, adding, “we urge the good people of Kaduna State to remain calm and join us in our bid to have these individuals removed from office through the courts and fresh elections organised.
“Under the leadership of Chief Edward Percy Masha, democracy will prevail in Kaduna State, and the people will have the final say. This I can assure.”
