Mohammed Jajari, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Borno state, has alleged that the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections in the state were far from being free and fair.
Jajari said on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily that some people voted without being accredited while Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines were not provided in several polling units.
He said, “It is true that there were a lot of irregularities in the elections where some people voted without going through the accreditation process, no BVAS in many places, vote buying openly and intimidation. So the election particularly in Borno state is far from free and fair.”
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On his chances of winning the election, Jajiri said people would massively vote for him because they are not happy with the APC government.
“What are the criteria to be considered as a serious candidate? I have been going round all over doing campaigns. Though our (presidential) candidate was not declared winner, I am still telling people they should come out and vote. They should not lose confidence.
“People are completely out of touch with the governing party in the state, so people need change. Civil service, farming…there are so many multiple taxations and so many other reasons why people are not happy with the APC in Borno state,” Jajari said.
But responding to the allegations, the APC chairman in the state, Ali Bukar Dalori, said the elections were conducted in a free, fair and credible atmosphere in the entire state.
He said, “It is not true. The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno state under the leadership of Governor Babagana Zulum and under my chairmanship did not want to join issues with the frustrated opposition parties, especally the Peoples Democratic Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party.
“But for the purpose of clarity, the just concluded presidential and the National Assemby elections were conducted in a free, fair and credible atmosphere across the 27 local government areas of the state.
“It was adjudged by national and international electoral observers, CSOs and all concerned stakeholders that the exercise wqs transparent, peaceful and devoid of any electoral malpractices.
“It is unfortunate that some gubernatorial candidates of the PDP and that of NNPP were concocting lies that the exercise was conducted based on ethnic considerations, which is not only far from the truth, but a calculated attempt to cause political motives that would never be realistic to the desperate yearnings and aspirations of oppositions, particularly the failed PDP and the NNPP in the state.
“It is therefore our prayers and hope that our great party will defeat PDP and NNPP candidates hands down come Saturday, 18th March 2023 gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections.”
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