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The Sokoto State chapter of the Congress for Progressive Change
(CPC) has rejected the results of Tuesday’s state assembly and Sokoto North
senatorial zone elections.

The party disclosed the decision at a news conference in Sokoto
on Wednesday night addressed by its Sokoto North Senatorial Zone candidate, Usman
Balkore.

Mr. Balkore, a former member of the House of Representatives,
said “after a careful review of the events that took place during the just
concluded Sokoto North and State Assembly elections, we are constrained to
reject the results of the elections based on some fundamental flaws that
characterised the exercise.”

He alleged that there was open, reckless and widespread monetary
inducements of voters at polling stations in violation of the electoral laws.

“Some of these incidences were captured and promptly reported to
relevant authorities but continued unabated throughout the exercise.

“A significant number of polling stations commenced voting
without prior accreditation of voters. In some polling units, voting was
concluded as early as 11am with impunity; the relevant authorities were duly
notified,” he alleged.

According to Mr Balkore, there were also cases of outright
rigging and ballot box stuffing which were observed and also reported.

The former lawmaker said “deliberate obstruction and in some
cases forceful abduction of our polling agents were recorded in several polling
units.

More irregularities

“These criminal violations were also reported and investigations
are ongoing as well as alleged violent harassment and intimidation of voters,”
he said.

Mr Balkore also alleged mischievous and illegal exclusion of the
party’s senatorial candidate’s name and party from participating in the
election in Gudu Local Government Area.

“This development was noted and promptly reported to the
Director of Administration and Head of Operations of INEC in Sokoto Office ,”
he said.

According to him, sequel to these allegations, “it is abundantly
clear that, there were significant and incontrovertible violations of the
electoral laws and INEC stipulated guidelines for the conduct of a free and
fair election”.

“It is, therefore, right to conclude that there was no
level-playing ground as the elections were rigged, voters disenfranchised and
the exercise lacked transparency and credibility,” he said.

Reacting to the allegations, the Resident Electoral Commissioner
in Sokoto State, Husseini Mahuta said the elections were free, fair and
transparent “Anybody who is aggrieved can, however, seek redress in the
tribunals and INEC will produce the required evidences to support such
electoral litigations.

“The recent elections were remarkable departure from the past
and the achievements recorded in the 2011 polls will be further improved in
subsequent elections,” Mr Mahuta said.

It would be recalled that the PDP had won all the National and State
Assembly seats in Sokoto State in the just-concluded April polls.