Niger Senatorial Bye-Election: PDP Cannot Celebrate Because They Stole My Mandate – David Umar

David Umar, the All Progressives Congress candidate in the recently concluded Niger senatorial Bye-election has insinuated that there was a collaboration between the People’s Democratic Part and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to steal his mandate,

 

“Why are they not celebrating if truly they (PDP) won? They cannot celebrate because the mandate is not theirs.”
An obviously aggrieved Umar who spoke to Journalists in Minna alleged that top government officials were stationed at various polling units with trucks loaded with cash, wrappers and shoes which were openly used to induce and buy votes while security agents intimidated voters.
“In some instances a voter’s vote was purchased for N30,000, while district heads, village and ward heads were intimidated and ordered to ensure victory for PDP at their places of influence or have their appointments terminated.”

“PDP is afraid of the will of the people that gave us their mandate, but they have used their antics to subvert and steal the will of the people and I know God will punish them for what they have done.
“Despite the intimidation, buying of votes and snatching of ballot boxes, the people of the zone and the state in general have spoken. PDP cannot stop the force of wind of change that is blowing across the state, we have done well and we have won the election even if PDP stole it away from us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Shem Nuhu Zagbayi who declared winner by INEC called on all the other contestants to join hands with him. He said he never thought he would ever contest an elective position again.
“I never thought I will ever stand before the REC to receive a certificate of return or contest for an elective position again but God in his mercies made it possible after the death of our late beloved Senator Awaisu Kuta”