Kano Supplementary Poll: Ganduje won squarely – Coalition
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje
By Kunle Ilyasu
A
coalition of civil society organization, Coalition for Electoral
Advancement (CEA) has said that the victory of Governor Abdullahi
Ganduje in the March 23 supplementary poll by the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) followed the Electoral Act and guidelines of
the commission.
The
CEA, which is made up of the Peoples Alliance for Indigenous Rights
(PAIR), Society for Gender Equity (SGE) and Network for Onward Nigeria
Equality (NeON), said in Abuja on Monday that any aggrieved party should
seek legal recourse rather than foment trouble.
At
a press briefing by Isa Yaro, national coordinator, and Priye Briggs,
director of information, the coalition said Governor Ganduje worked for
his victory which should not be overshadowed by a few peoples’ idea of
what the law says.
“This
briefing has become necessary in view of the cacophony of voices over
the outcome of the Kano supplementary elections which was won gallantly
by Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Executive Governor of Kano State.
“Since
INEC announced Dr. Ganduje as governor-elect, a few but vocal minority
have continued to harp on issues that are outside the law.
“Gentlemen of the press, we sincerely believe that you are all familiar with Clause 33(e) of INEC Guidelines and Regulations.
“For
clarity, the Clause provides: "Where the margin of lead between the two
leading candidates in an election is NOT in excess of the total number
of voters registered in Polling Units where elections are not held or
voided in line with sections 26 and 53 of the Electoral Act, the
returning officer shall decline to make a return until polls have taken
place in the affected Polling Units and the results collated into the
relevant forms for Declaration and Return. This is the Margin of Lead
Principle and shall apply wherever necessary in making returns of all
elections to which these Regulations and Guidelines apply."
“After
the first ballot which gave the PDP candidate a phantom lead, the APC
in Kano state did not contest the position of the law, rather went on to
campaign and solicit the votes of the affected communities which
culminated in the victory of Dr. Ganduje on Saturday, March 23.”
The
coalition noted that while there were ‘little skirmishes, expected in
electoral process, which was resolved quickly by the police, some
mischief makers have sought to hold on to it even when it is unlike some
places like Benue where a collation officer was shot dead to create
tension.”
They
called on the PDP and its candidate in Kano state not to cause the
breakdown of law and order, rather if they are dissatisfied by the
conduct of the electoral process to seek legal recourse, which they are
entitled to.
“But
it is more important for them to realize that power comes from God,
therefore, even the idea of a legal challenge is unnecessary and waste
of time. It will be more helpful if they join hands with His Excellency
Dr. Ganduje to help him continue with his incredible delivery of
infrastructure and social services to the people of Kano state,” they
stated.
Kano Supplementary Poll: Ganduje won squarely – Coalition
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