APC Mourns Audu, Promises To Follow The Rule Of Law In Making Decision

The All Progressives Congress (APC) said it will act within the confines of the rule of law in responding to the inconclusiveness of the Kogi State governorship election held on Saturday. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared the Kogi State governorship election inconclusive after collation of results showed a number of cancelled votes that was higher than the margin between the leading candidate and the runner-up. APC candidate, Abubakar Audu whose 240,867 votes was more than Captain Idris Wada of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)’s 199,514 votes was not declared winner by the commission which claimed that the 49,953 votes canceled was higher than the margin between the leading candidate and the runner-up.

However, the APC said it was waiting to see INEC’s decision on the matter. In a statement issued by its national publicity secretary, Mai Mala Buni, the party said its response the matter would however be based on the constitution.

“On INEC’s position that the November 21, 2015 governorship poll in Kogi State was inconclusive, APC is studying the declaration of the Returning Officer, Prof. Emmanuel Kucha, who is the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, based on Section M, Paragraph 4(Page 22) of INEC Approved Guidelines and Regulations for the Conduct of the 2015 General Elections. “APC believes in the rule of law, strict adherence to 1999 Constitution and Electoral Act 2010(as Amended).
“Our government was a product of the rule of law. We have absolute faith in the nation’s law and we will not in any manner undermine the law. Our observations and position will be within the laws of the land.

“The situation in Kogi State is a test case for the rule of law and our growing democracy. APC is committed to its pledge to ensure a sustainable democracy in the country,” it said. Mourning Audu’s death, the party described him as a star and democrat. The party promised not to abandon him even in death. It also appealed to the people of the state and its supporters to remain calm.

“The All Progressives Congress(APC) sadly mourns the death of its governorship candidate in Kogi State, His Excellency, Prince Abubakar Audu. He was certainly one of our stars, a democrat par excellence, a development-oriented leader and a beacon for the liberation of Kogi State from its apparent decay. He was a Prince of hope, a symbol of peace and an apostle of unity and reintegration of Kogi State.


“We commiserate with his family and the great people of Kogi State for having a strong belief in Abubakar Audu’s capacity to redeem the state. “The demise of Prince Abubakar Audu has no doubt created a big vacuum in Kogi State and APC but we take solace in the fact that God gives, God takes. He might have physically transited but he will forever be spiritually and politically relevant not only in Kogi State but in Nigeria.

“We appeal to the people of the state to see Audu’s death as an act of God. There should be no recourse to lawlessness or vindictiveness in whatever form. The only honour will can do Prince Abubakar Audu is to remain peaceful and resolve to be undaunted in preserving the adorable ideals he lived for. It was evident to all that he ran a good race, he played his part well and he earned a rare rating as an exemplary leader. “We will not abandon Prince Abubakar Audu even in death because his legacies are timeless, his virtues can withstand all seasons and his vision remains immortal.


“APC urges its members and supporters in Kogi Stare and nationwide not to allow their spirit to be dampened by the sudden passage of the great Prince Abubakar Audu. Rather, the party should be united in mourning and be encouraged to effect the desired change in Kogi State through the ballot anytime, any day,” the statement said.