A former Senate president, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has described Saturday’s local government election in Kwara State as a clear message to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Saraki, in a statement sent to our correspondent, commended the people for their “courage in rejecting the APC” despite challenges during the poll.
The Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC) declared APC candidates victorious in all 16 council areas, but the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) rejected the results, citing widespread irregularities and disenfranchisement.
Saraki alleged that despite collaboration between the government and the electoral body, the people took a stand against bad governance.
He claimed that in many areas, APC candidates faced overwhelming opposition, but the process was deliberately undermined, with inadequate ballot papers and missing result sheets.
“Whatever results were declared, our people have sent a clear signal to a government that has failed to make any significant positive impact after 64 months in office,” Saraki said.
He further criticised the legitimacy of the elected local government chairmen and councillors, stating they lacked the people’s mandate.
Reacting, KWASIEC Chairman, Mohammed Baba-Okanla, urged aggrieved parties to approach the courts.
Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Femi Agbaje Whyte, dismissed Saraki’s remarks, saying, “Kwarans are not ready to go back to their vomit.
“The governor is performing, and the people want to continue with the progress of the past five years.”