News Editor
By News Editor, Abuja
Palpable tension is enveloping Abuja, the seat of power following nullification of the election of two Area Councils.
The election tribunal sitting in Wuse Zone II in the Federal Capital Territory has Tuesday, nullified the election of the chairman Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya of the people’s Democratic party (PDP).
Delivering the judgement on Tuesday, the chairman of the tribunal, Muinat Folashade Oyekan said the election was full of irregularities which is against the electoral law.
The tribunal, therefore declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Haruna Shekwolo as the rightful winner of the election.
Recall that the INEC’s returning/ Collation Officer for the Bwari Area Council in the last February 12, election, Prof. Amuche Madu, said Gabaya polled a total of 13,045 votes and declared him winner.
The Returning Officer also said that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Haruna Shekwolo polled a total of 7,697 votes.
A similar verdict was last week handed to the Chairman Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu.
The tribunal, however ordered for a rerun election in Kujekwa, Yenche and Gudunkarya wards of Kuje Area Council within ninety days.
Member of the tribunal, Kimi Appah whole delivered the Kuje’s judgement, said the petition filed by the candidate of the APC, Hon Sarki Hamidu, alleging irregularities during the February 12 Area Council election, the tribunal has ordered for the supplementary election.
He explained that the applicant raised cases of BVAS failure during the election.
Appah, therefore directed INEC to conduct a supplementary election in the affected wards within 90 days.
Fielding questions from journalists at the court, the chairman PDP in Kuje, Mohammed Dogora described the judgement as laughable.
He said the party is not in any panic about the rerun.
However, Abdullahi Sabo (Senior) principal private secretary to the current chairman of Kuje Area Council, said the judgement was a welcome development.
He stated that the PDP family was shocked by the judgement but said it was commendable that the tribunal didn’t nullify the 13,301 votes the party had.
However, the verdict is generating tension in the suburbs especially where the original inhabitants of Gbagy reside.
TMSnews gathered in Kabusa, Garki, Old Karu and Nyanya that the news break was greeted with fierce reactions.
The natives said they are smiling suspicion from the power that be.
Locals said they will resist any attempt to take away their mandate through whatever means.
Local human rights activists were seen discussing the issue at town hall meetings on Wednesday.
TMSnews will give you the update.
