Thugs suspected to be working for the ruling People Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe state snatched ballot box at Shehu manzo 005 polling unit, governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo’s polling unit, in Gombe metropolis.
Weekly Trust gathered that the thugs who were supported by armed policemen men were patrolling the polling unit and on the realizing that the All progressive Congress (APC) candidates of both Senate and house of representative were leading when counting started the thugs with the help of armed police men snatched the ballot box and went away with it.
According Nasiru Shehu Ali sidi Manzo an eye witness the thugs have been patrolling the area and when they reported to police men on patrol that thugs have been disrupting the peaceful conduct of voting at the polling unit the police ignored their complain.
“We are aware that there was a plan by the ruling party to destabilise the smooth conduct of the voting at this polling unit because APC is going to win but we ignored the rumour. On sighting the thugs carrying all sorts of weapons, voters started running away but that did not deter us.
“Some people remained and chased them away. When counting started and APC was leading suddenly we saw police men tear gassing the area and they forced the electoral officials into their vehicle,” he said.
He said APC scored 303 votes, while PDP 88 votes three invalids votes were recorded for federal House of representative representing Gombe/Funakaye/Kwami constituency. While that of Gombe North
senatorial district APC recorded 394 votes and PDP score 92 votes and 2 invalids were recorded.
He said the thugs assisted by the police came when they started counting the results of the presidential election at the polling unit and snatched the box.
When contacted the police spokesman DSP Fwaje Atajiri, dismissed the allegation saying that it was the work of mischief makers who only want to cause trouble.
The Gombe state Resident Electoral commissioner Barrister Kashim Gaidam, said they are investigating the case and will address the press after their investigation.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
