Mr Afolabi Jimoh-Kolawole, a Chieftain of the Accord Party in the Offa Local Government area of Kwara, says his rejection of election results rigged in his favour is born out of personal conviction for doing the right thing.
He said he has not changed his position since 2013 when declared never to accept any election results rigged in his favour.
Jimoh-Kolawole in 2013 rejected his election as a councillor during a local government election, saying he didn’t win the election but his challenger in the newly formed All Progressives Congress at the time won the election.
Jimoh-Kolawole contested as on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and was declared the winner.
He, however, later came out publicly and rejected his victory in the Aug. 31 local government election in Offa, Kwara, on the ground that the election was rigged in his favour.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Offa on Wednesday, Jimoh-Kolawole said his decision was informed by his disposition and religious beliefs as a Muslim.
He said Islam does not condone cheating and injustice.
Rejecting the results, the Accord stalwart said: “It is very clear that Offa people want APC; they don’t want PDP.
“As a true Muslim with a clear conscience, I stand for equity and justice, because I know that whatever we do in this world, we are going to give an account to our Creator and I fear my Creator,” he said.
Jimoh-Kolawole, also a Senior Legislative Aide to Mr Tope Layonu, a former House of Representatives member (Offa-Oyun-felon Federal Constituency), in spite of his persecution over such a decision, said he never regretted the action taken 10 years ago.
Currently engaging in farming for a living, he said: “I am still maintaining my integrity, honesty and fear of God.
“l will never take any elected position that was rigged in my favour.”
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