- The APC in Plateau State rejected local government election results, calling the process flawed and vowing to challenge the outcome in court
- APC Chairman Rufus Bature criticized the electoral commission for inadequate materials and alleged manipulation favoring the ruling PDP during the elections
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State has rejected the results of the recent local government elections, describing the process as deeply flawed and vowing to challenge the outcome in court.
During a press conference held at the party’s secretariat in Jos on Saturday, APC Chairman Rufus Bature expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the election, which took place on Wednesday, calling it the worst election in the state’s political history.
Bature criticized the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), alleging that the election was rigged and did not meet acceptable standards.
He pointed out several issues, including the inadequate distribution of sensitive materials, especially in polling units considered APC strongholds, where only 10% to 20% of the necessary ballot papers were provided.
Additionally, he mentioned that result sheets were not supplied to some areas, further compromising the election’s credibility.
He also noted the widespread failure of voting machines, which he claimed malfunctioned or stopped working within two hours in many polling units. According to Bature, this was a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise voters and manipulate the election in favour of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In some areas, Bature alleged no election occurred, with reports of ballot stuffing in PDP-dominated zones.
He accused PLASIEC officials, particularly returning officers, of abandoning their duties and failing to collate the results as required by law.
Despite these setbacks, Bature called on APC supporters to remain calm and resilient, assuring them that the party would take all necessary legal steps to reclaim what he referred to as their stolen mandate.