PDP Chairmanship Candidate Yunusa Chado Rejects Lokoja Council Election Results, Alleges Rigging and Injustice

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for Lokoja Local Government Area in the October 19 council election, Yunusa Chado, has described the election as a “charade,” accusing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of insincerity in delivering credible and fair elections.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Chado criticized the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), claiming it acted as a puppet under the control of the governor, reinforcing opposition fears about the election’s credibility.

“I am completely disappointed in the APC-led government under Ahmed Usman Ododo.

His administration initially appeared people-driven, but the rigging of the October 19 council elections and the killing of an innocent okada rider in Lokoja by APC thugs have shattered our expectations,” Chado stated.

The PDP candidate expressed dismay that the governor’s actions contradicted the development-focused governance style he once admired.

“We thought Kogi was on the path to sustainable development, with improved welfare for civil servants.

Unfortunately, the governor’s insensitivity has dashed those hopes. No office is worth the life of any citizen.”

Chado emphasized that his candidacy was motivated by the desire to alleviate the hardship faced by the people under the APC government. He vowed to resist what he termed a “shady arrangement” involving the state government, SIEC, and security agencies to undermine the will of the electorate.

“This election result is nothing more than another attempt to impose caretaker committees disguised as elected officials.

We will resist it, just as the Supreme Court has ruled against caretaker committees in Kogi State,” he declared.

Chado criticized the state administration for allegedly fearing a proper electoral process.

“How can a government with a governor, deputy governor, speaker of the House of Assembly, lawmakers, commissioners, advisers, and other numerous appointees be afraid to conduct local government elections transparently? This is a clear indication of failure.”

The PDP candidate further alleged that election materials were withheld at the government house to prevent his victory.

“I want the world to know that I won the election, but they hid the materials because they knew I would win.”

Chado called on his supporters to remain calm and avoid violence. “We must not take the law into our hands.

The fight for justice will continue, and we will not be deterred.”