Iyorchia Ayu, the National Chairperson of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has made a plea to candidates who are likely to lose in the next elections, asking them to accept the results in good faith and to offer their congratulations to whoever wins.
After casting his ballot at Mkovur Market in Ipav, Gboko Local Government (LGA), Benue State, Mr Ayu made this statement during an interview with the media after the event.
He said that every law-abiding Nigerian has a responsibility to work for the survival of democracy.
Mr Ayu is quoted as saying, “I want democracy to grow in Nigeria because I am a democrat and a champion of peace.”
In addition, he praised INEC for doing an excellent job and emphasised that there was a significant improvement in comparison to the elections that came before.
Mr Ayu voiced his confidence that the PDP would emerge triumphant when the ballots have been conducted.
While they wait for the results of the election, he urged those who support the PDP to maintain their composure and respect the legal system.
Josephine Haba, an election observer and the National Coordinator for the Jireh Doo Foundation, expressed her disappointment with the tardy delivery of voting materials at a number of polling stations located around the state.
Ms Haba said that she walked around and found that some polling locations had no materials and that the electorate was left puzzled. She emphasised that she had similar allegations from other local administrations.
“Voters began arriving at the voting stations as early as 8.30 in the morning; however, it is sad that the election did not begin until approximately 11 in some places, 12 in others, and 1.30 in still others.
According to Ms Haba, “therefore, in order to avoid disenfranchising the voters, INEC should extend the voting period in order to allow all those who are waiting in line to exercise their franchise.”
(NAN)
