Bauchi: Tension as INEC cancels results in Tafawa Balewa

Tension has gripped the Prof. Mahmood Yakubu Conference Hall, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC Bauchi State Office following the cancellation of the governorship results for Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, believed to be the stronghold of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Trouble started when Umar Tilde (a retired Nigerian Army Colonel), Bauchi State Collation Agent for the ruling All Progressives Congress raised alarm that there was no collation for Tafawa Balewa, hence the results should not be announced.

Dominion Anosike, Collation Officer for the Local Government who was visibly jittery said she announced the results under duress, adding that the election in the area were marred by violence; snatching of ballot boxes, tearing of results sheets, among others.

Anosike, a Lecturer with Federal Polytechnic Bauchi revealed that due to tearing of results sheets, she and other INEC ad hoc Staff depended on results from party agents for the collation and the results were equally signed by the party agents.

Tanko Yusuf-Dutse, PDP State Collation Agent confirmed that Anosike was honest in her report and faulted APC for instigating cancellation of result in Tafawa Balewa, hence it was favourable to the ruling party and vowed that PDP would take legal measures towards the development.

Ruling, Kyari Mohammed, Bauchi Governorship election Returning Officer who cited various provisions of the 2019 general elections regulations and guidelines cancelled the result, saying there would be rerun at a later date.

The Collation Officer was allegedly whisked away by yet to be identified persons when she stepped out of the Collation Centre.

Ali Janga, Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command though did not confirm the incidence said, someone has been arrested in connection with the act and taken to Police headquarters for investigation.

“Immediately when I moved out trying to secure her, I asked her where she lives so that I will give her security and take her home. She said no she cannot go home now because they know her house.

“Eventually I said OK let me take you to my office, I will find a safer place for you this night to sleep. That was exactly when I saw a man I don’t know which political party he belongs to said no that woman is not going anywhere we are going to deal with her. Eventually my men has to arrest him”, Janga stated.

Meanwhile, State collation of the governorship results was adjourned to 10 pm after 17 out of the 20 Local Government Areas results were presented.

The results presented show that:

1. Bogoro          APC:  7,442       PDP: 19, 667

2. Dass             APC:    15, 388     PDP: 12, 411

3. Kirfi               APC:  15, 562       PDP:  15, 408

4. Giade            APC:  17, 004       PDP: 11, 391

5. Warji           APC: 17, 939         PDP:  17, 022

6. Misau         APC: 16, 282        PDP:   19, 928

7. Jama’are    APC:  12, 941      PDP: 11, 041

8. Alkareli      APC:   27, 238     PDP: 34,625

9. Zaki            APC:    23,179         PDP: 24, 582

10. Dambam   APC: 11, 383         PDP: 11, 846

11. Gamawa     APC: 27, 462       PDP:  18, 998

12. Shira          APC: 23, 061         PDP: 19, 296

13. Itas/Gadau   APC: 23, 670      PDP: 20, 054

14. Katagun       APC: 27, 820      PDP:  26, 666

15.  Toro             APC: 57, 655     PDP:   31, 284

16. Ningi            APC: 35, 877    PDP: 29, 339

17. Darazo      APC: 24, 240      PDP: 19, 899.

 

James Kwen