New polling units, plot to rig – APC

The All Progressives Congress in Niger State on Tuesday stated that the creation of new polling units in Niger East Senatorial District ahead of the senatorial bye-election was a deliberate plot by the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Dr. Emmanuel Onucheyo, to rig out its candidate, David Umaru.

The Publicity Secretary of the APC in Niger State, Jonathan Vatsa, who spoke to journalists on Tuesday in Minna, stated that it was unfortunate that the REC wrote for the creation of new polling units few days to the election, knowing fully well that the election was just a bye-election.

Vatsa disclosed that the polling units in Niger East before was 1,122, but the party was surprised that few days to the election, the REC wrote to the National Headquarters and the polling units have been increased to 3,185.

He stated that the way the situation was, the new polling units were created to facilitate the massive rigging against Umaru because “they know that they cannot withstand the popularity of David Umaru.

“It is clear that David Umaru cannot be defeated in a free and fair election, hence they are devising various strategies on how to rig the election.”

While stating that the silence of the INEC Headquarters to their earlier call to change the REC, whom it alleged to be a card carrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kogi State, smacks of conspiracy.

Vatsa noted that the party is ready to checkmate all plans to rig it out.

He said: “This is a perfect way for rigging.

“If not, how can you create new polling units few days to election?

“In fact, it is like the REC has turned himself to a consultant for rigging.

“Whatever formula they have adopted, whatever way they come up with, APC is ready for them.”

Vatsa added: “We are aware of the order given to top government functionaries to deliver their wards or forget their jobs.

“We are waiting to see how they will compromise the will of the people forcefully.”

He however appealed to the supporters of the party to be law abiding and stay out of any act that will disturb the peace of the state.

He urged them to protect their votes peacefully during the election.