#KogiDecides2019: Things Peaceful So Far, Says PDP Candidate Musa Wada
The Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi election, Eng. Musa Wada has expressed delight at the presence of heavy security in the state.
Despite the palpable apprehension, voters trooped out en-mass early at the polling booths in Ayingba, Dekina local government, Kogi east senatorial district which is the district of Wada.
The heavy presence of security officers witnessed includes Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
READ: #KogiDecides: Police Apprehends Two Fake NSCDC Officials Who Hijacked Electoral Materials
Speaking on the presence of the massive security after casting his vote at precisely 9.15 am, the PDP candidate said it was necessary after alleging that that one of the thugs of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) (name withheld) was arrested in Ayungba.
“Ayangba is very volatile; the APC chief thug is from here. As long as he is there, his own is how to snatch ballot boxes and scare away voters.”
In his appraisal of the process, Wada said it was free and fair as at the time he exercised his franchise.
“It looks peaceful for now, although for APC their stock in trade is to snatch ballot boxes there was an attempt by one of their hooligans, he was repelled, but you know they will always go to regroup and come back.
“I have advised the voters to stay tight, defend their votes very well. By God’s grace, we will be the winner no matter what they do. What will be will be.”
Ballot snatching
However, his elder brother and former governor, Captain Idris Wada alleged that there were attacks on PDP supporters on Friday night ahead of Saturday voting. According to him, an ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission were chased away by thugs who smashed ballot boxes.
READ: Kogi, Bayelsa Governorship: Buhari Urges INEC, Police on Fairness And Transparency
While also blaming INEC for poor logistics arrangement, he explained that: “Seven ballot boxes were snatched and our youths on national service who were ad-hoc INEC staff were chased away.
“I am not accusing anybody. We need a process with minimal human intervention so that people don’t abuse the process. It is very sad. People’s houses were burnt overnight, just because they want to come out to vote.
“Again why should we have a delay in bringing materials for voting, despite several assurances by INEC.”
