By Eric Elezuo
Ahead the presidential primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt on Saturday, some aspirants of the party has held a processional protest against INEC in condemnation of the Osun State governorship election, especially the supplementary election held five days later.
The Osun State governorship election was held on September 22, 2018, but was declared inconclusive but the Independent National Electoral Commissioner Resident Commissioner, claiming that the difference between the winner, Ademola Adeleke of the PDP and his All Progressives Congress opponent, Gboyega Oyetola, was less than the total number of cancelled votes in about seven polling units. Consequently, a supplementary election was organised five days later where the APC candidate was eventually declared winner.
The PDP has alleged that the election was characterised by irregularities ranging from massive vote buying, intimidation of opponents and over voting among others. The also claimed that the vices were committed in full view of security operatives and INEC officials.
The protest, which took off from the party’s Legacy House headquarters to INEC ‘s office, also demanded the continued impartiality and independence of the electoral body.
Among aspirants who joined in the protest are Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido and other PDP national leaders.
