The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that would act within the
confines of the rule of law regarding the Kogi State governorship
election.
In a statement issued by its national publicity secretary, Mai Mala
Buni, the party said its response on the matter would, however, be
based on the constitution.
“On INEC’s position that the November 21, 2015 governorship poll in
Kogi State was inconclusive, APC is studying the declaration of the
Returning Officer, Prof. Emmanuel Kucha, who is the Vice Chancellor of
the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, based on Section M,
Paragraph 4 (Page 22) of INEC Approved Guidelines and Regulations for
the Conduct of the 2015 General Elections.
“APC believes in the rule of law, strict adherence to 1999
Constitution and Electoral Act 2010 (as amended),” he said.
“Our government was a product of the rule of law. We have absolute
faith in the nation’s law and we will not in any manner undermine the
law. Our observations and position will be within the laws of the
land.
“The situation in Kogi State is a test case for the rule of law and
our growing democracy. APC is committed to its pledge to ensure a
sustainable democracy in the country”, it said.
While commiserating with the deceased family, the party stated that it
would not abandon its candidate even in death.
APC also appealed to the people of the state and indeed its supporters
to remain calm in the face of the ill development.
“His Excellency, Prince Abubakar Audu was certainly one of our stars,
a democrat par excellence, a development-oriented leader and a beacon
for the liberation of Kogi State from its apparent decay. He was a
Prince of hope, a symbol of peace and an apostle of unity and
reintegration of Kogi State.
“We commiserate with his family and the great people of Kogi State for
having a strong belief in Abubakar Audu’s capacity to redeem the
state.
“The demise of Prince Abubakar Audu has no doubt created a big vacuum
in Kogi State and APC but we take solace in the fact that God gives,
God takes. He might have physically transited but he will forever be
spiritually and politically relevant not only in Kogi State but in
Nigeria.
“We appeal to the people of the state to see Audu’s death as an act of
God. There should be no recourse to lawlessness or vindictiveness in
whatever form. The only honour we can do Prince Abubakar Audu is to
remain peaceful and resolve to be undaunted in preserving the adorable
ideals he lived for. It was evident to all that he ran a good race, he
played his part well and he earned a rare rating as an exemplary
leader.
“We will not abandon Prince Abubakar Audu even in death because his
legacies are timeless, his virtues can withstand all seasons and his
vision remains immortal.”