By Emeka Samuel, Uyo
President Muhammadu Buhari has blamed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC for the woeful performance of the APC in last month’s national elections in Akwa Ibom and declared that it was not possible for former Senate Minority leader Senator Godswill Akpabio to lose election in the area.
Buhari who made this known while addressing party loyalists on a thank you visit in Uyo on Monday maintained that many votes for the party were not counted but assured that they would be recovered legitimately in the courts.
The President who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osibanjo commended the APC in the state for voting and contributing to the victory of the party in the Presidential polls adding that the APC led FG would not fail in its responsibility to ensure credible polls nationwide.
“I want to thank you for the votes you gave me in the presidential election and also for the votes you also gave Senatorial candidates and candidates for the Federal House of Representatives from the state. We know that some were not counted but we will correct that this Saturday.
“People like me and the national chairman of APC have suffered in opposition for more than 15 years and during that period we have always been cheated but I want to tell you that nobody can cheat us now that we are at the centre.
“Furthermore I want to tell you that it is not possible for Senator Godswill Akpabio to lose election in this state. We believe he is the popularly elected Senator and we are also in no doubt that come Saturday with our votes and commitment Obong Nsima Ekere will be elected Governor of Akwa Ibom.” He said.
The President urged voters in the state to come out enmasse to ensure victory for the APC next Saturday but advised that voters should ensure that their votes were counted to correct the mistakes in last month’s election.
In his remarks, APC national chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomohle vowed that those who participated in the perpetuation of electoral fraud in the national elections would be brought to justice adding that the APC is in possession of evidence of collusion between INEC and security agencies to deny the party of victory in the state.
“Those who stole our votes will know no peace but it will not repeat itself this Saturday. We will bring all perpetuators of electoral fraud to justice. We have all the evidences and lawyers to do so but all I want from you is to be disciplined and vigilant to protect your votes.” Oshiomohle said.
Akpabio had in his speech maintained that the APC were robbed of victory in the polls last month by cancelling elections in areas where the party won and urged the national leadership of the party to ensure that votes meant for the party would not be cancelled again.
Governorship candidate Mr Nsima Ekere commended APC supporters for their maturity and discipline after last month’s national elections and warned that any attempt to manipulate results or cheat the APC in the gubernatorial and state assembly elections would be resisted.
In a welcome address state chairman of the party Mr Ini Okopido called for the redeployment of the State Resident Electoral Commissioner Barr Mike Igini for his complacency in the last election and assured the President of the support of the people of the state to the success of his administration.
