In a shocking turn of events, Dino Melaye, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the Kogi State governorship election, has called for the complete annulment of the electoral process, branding it as “shameful.”
His demand came in the wake of alarming claims of misconduct during the poll.
During a press conference held in Lokoja on Sunday, Melaye strongly condemned the election, asserting that it did not meet the standards of a legitimate electoral exercise.
He pointed out numerous irregularities, including manual accreditation, the absence of the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and allegations of prepared result sheets surfacing even before accreditation commenced.
Melaye stated, “It is shameful that the unhealthy INEC refuse to realize, ameliorate, or palliate the problems they created in the last presidential and governorship elections. Yesterday in the five local governments of the central senatorial district in Kogi state, there was no election.”
He went on to reveal that in areas where he had secured victory, his agents were informed that result sheets were unavailable for recording the results, substantiating his claims with evidence.
The outspoken candidate criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing it of bias, compromise, and a lack of neutrality.
In a shocking twist, allegations emerged that INEC officials and youth corps members were apprehended with pre-filled result sheets, even before the official commencement of the electoral processes.
One youth corps member was reportedly arrested with a prepared result sheet and a significant sum of N1 million in his possession.
Melaye’s demands for election cancellation coincided with a surge of result sheets circulating on social media, raising concerns about the integrity of the Kogi governorship poll.
In response to these alarming developments, INEC pledged to investigate the situation and issued a statement, saying, “Our attention has been drawn to a report that filled result sheets were discovered in some polling units in Kogi State. The Commission views this situation seriously.”
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE