Tension has gripped the Prof. Mahmood Yakubu Conference Hall, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC Bauchi State Office following the cancellation of the governorship results for Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, believed to be the stronghold of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Trouble started when Umar Tilde (a retired Nigerian Army Colonel), Bauchi State Collation Agent for the ruling All Progressives Congress raised alarm that there was no collation for Tafawa Balewa, hence the results should not be announced.
Dominion Anosike, Collation Officer for the Local Government who was visibly jittery said she announced the results under duress, adding that the election in the area were marred by violence; snatching of ballot boxes, tearing of results sheets, among others.
Anosike, a Lecturer with Federal Polytechnic Bauchi revealed that due to tearing of results sheets, she and other INEC ad hoc Staff depended on results from party agents for the collation and the results were equally signed by the party agents.
Tanko Yusuf-Dutse, PDP State Collation Agent confirmed that Anosike was honest in her report and faulted APC for instigating cancellation of result in Tafawa Balewa, hence it was favourable to the ruling party and vowed that PDP would take legal measures towards the development.
Ruling, Kyari Mohammed, Bauchi Governorship election Returning Officer who cited various provisions of the 2019 general elections regulations and guidelines cancelled the result, saying there would be rerun at a later date.
The Collation Officer was allegedly whisked away by yet to be identified persons when she stepped out of the Collation Centre.
Ali Janga, Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command though did not confirm the incidence said, someone has been arrested in connection with the act and taken to Police headquarters for investigation.
“Immediately when I moved out trying to secure her, I asked her where she lives so that I will give her security and take her home. She said no she cannot go home now because they know her house.
“Eventually I said OK let me take you to my office, I will find a safer place for you this night to sleep. That was exactly when I saw a man I don’t know which political party he belongs to said no that woman is not going anywhere we are going to deal with her. Eventually my men has to arrest him”, Janga stated.
Meanwhile, State collation of the governorship results was adjourned to 10 pm after 17 out of the 20 Local Government Areas results were presented.
The results presented show that:
1. Bogoro APC: 7,442 PDP: 19, 667
2. Dass APC: 15, 388 PDP: 12, 411
3. Kirfi APC: 15, 562 PDP: 15, 408
4. Giade APC: 17, 004 PDP: 11, 391
5. Warji APC: 17, 939 PDP: 17, 022
6. Misau APC: 16, 282 PDP: 19, 928
7. Jama’are APC: 12, 941 PDP: 11, 041
8. Alkareli APC: 27, 238 PDP: 34,625
9. Zaki APC: 23,179 PDP: 24, 582
10. Dambam APC: 11, 383 PDP: 11, 846
11. Gamawa APC: 27, 462 PDP: 18, 998
12. Shira APC: 23, 061 PDP: 19, 296
13. Itas/Gadau APC: 23, 670 PDP: 20, 054
14. Katagun APC: 27, 820 PDP: 26, 666
15. Toro APC: 57, 655 PDP: 31, 284
16. Ningi APC: 35, 877 PDP: 29, 339
17. Darazo APC: 24, 240 PDP: 19, 899.
