Ballot Box Snatchers Shot Dead in Kogi as Voters Elect New Governor
Yahaya Bello Hails ‘Peaceful, Violence-Free’ Election
In a dramatic turn of events during the gubernatorial election in Kogi State, two suspected ballot box snatchers met their demise as voters exercised their civic duty. The incident occurred in Anyigba and Ankpa, both located in the Kogi East Senatorial District, where eagle-eyed soldiers thwarted the attempted ballot theft.
The skirmish was a notable event in a generally peaceful election, marked by isolated cases of attempted ballot box snatching. In Ganaja village near Lokoja, voters successfully repelled an attempt by individuals in SUVs to snatch ballot boxes, as captured in a viral video.
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In Kogi Central, soldiers intercepted and arrested three unmarked open-back Land Cruiser security vehicles at Itakpe Junction near Okene town. The unidentified occupants faced a standoff with the military before being escorted away.
Reports from Ogori/Magongo Local Government in Kogi Central raised concerns about pre-filled election result sheets, with YIAGA Africa urging INEC to investigate promptly.
PDP Candidate Melaye Boycotts Election, Calls for Cancellation
Senator Dino Melaye, the PDP candidate in Kogi West, allegedly boycotted the election across all 21 local government areas. Melaye, staying away from his polling unit, expressed skepticism about the credibility of the process, claiming predetermined outcomes.
Later, he demanded the cancellation of the election in five local government areas: Okene, Okehi, Adavi, Ajaokuta, and Ogori/Mangogo, citing a coordinated scam by INEC.
Governor Bello Declares ‘Peaceful, Violence-Free’ Election
Governor Yahaya Bello and his three wives cast their votes in Agassa, Okene LGA. Bello, optimistic about victory, described the election as peaceful, contrary to pre-election fears. He commended the conduct of INEC, emphasizing the absence of violence and the orderly behavior of citizens.
Bello reiterated his commitment to leaving the state in a better condition, refuting claims of electoral violence during his tenure. He urged the media to await INEC’s official report before drawing conclusions.
SDP Candidate Ajaka Raises Alarm on ‘Missing Result Sheets’
In Kogi East, SDP candidate Yakubu Murtala Ajaka raised concerns about missing result sheets for three local government areas: Okehi, Adavi, and Okene. Ajaka alleged compromise within INEC in those areas and reported the situation to the electoral body.
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Despite the missing result sheets, Ajaka praised the overall smooth conduct of the election and acknowledged the security provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
APC governorship candidate Usman Ododo also commended INEC for a transparent and hitch-free electoral process, expressing satisfaction with the peaceful and orderly conduct of the election in his Upogoro polling unit
