The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has rejected the outcome of the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election, accusing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of irregularities that marred the exercise.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, on Monday in Ibadan, the party described the conduct of the election as deeply flawed.
INEC had on Sunday declared Folajimi Oyekunle of the PDP winner of the poll, with Adelewa Olatunde of the APC finishing as runner-up.
The APC, while reaffirming its commitment to credible elections, claimed that the poll was undermined by massive vote-buying and electoral manipulation.
“Regrettably, the irregularities that characterised this by-election remind us of the Obasanjo era, when elections were reduced to do-or-die affairs under the PDP,” the statement read.
The party alleged that:
- PDP chieftains distributed large sums of money to buy votes at polling units.
- Some INEC officials allowed individuals without Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to cast ballots in several wards.
- Operatives of the Park Management System (PMS) mobilised thugs to intimidate voters and disrupt the process in areas such as Yemetu Bodaji , Sango.
The APC said it is currently compiling evidence of the alleged irregularities and would announce its final position soon.
Meanwhile, the party urged its members to remain calm and continue to trust the leadership at all levels.
