The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the outcome of the Okura Constituency bye-election in Kogi State, citing allegations of vote inflation and other electoral irregularities. The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Hassan Shado, was declared the winner of the election, polling 55,073 votes, while his closest rival, the PDP candidate, scored 1,038 votes.
Background of the Election
The bye-election was held to fill the vacant seat in the Okura Constituency following the death of Hon. Enema Paul, the former Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly. The election was marked by low voter turnout, with opposition parties alleging vote buying, intimidation, and other irregularities ¹.
PDP's Reaction
The PDP has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the election outcome, questioning the credibility of the process. The party's rejection of the results is based on allegations of electoral malpractices, including vote inflation ².
APC's Victory
The APC's victory in the bye-election has been attributed to various factors, including the party's strong grassroots support and effective campaign strategies. The APC has won several bye-elections across the country, solidifying its position as a dominant force in Nigerian politics ³.
Implications of the Election Outcome
The outcome of the Okura Constituency bye-election has significant implications for the political landscape in Kogi State and beyond. The PDP's rejection of the results may lead to further tensions and potential legal challenges, while the APC's victory may boost its confidence and momentum heading into future elections ¹.
