March 14, 2023
According to Aluke, the PDP obtained audio evidence of the alleged plan and had forwarded it to security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other concerned stakeholders for action.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has called on the Nigerian police and other security agencies to probe an audio recording of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, in an alleged plot to rig the forthcoming Saturday governorship elections in the state.
This was mentioned on Tuesday by Ayuba Aluke, spokesperson of the PDP campaign in the state during a press conference, claiming that they had credible evidence that incriminate the state Governor of his plans towards truncating smooth conduct of Saturday’s poll.
According to Aluke, the PDP obtained audio evidence of the alleged plan and had forwarded it to security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other concerned stakeholders for action.
He decried the level of "desperation" by the APC to "win elections at all cost through vote-buying, intimidation and compromising the bimodal voter authentication system (BVAS) to get the result that they want.”
He said, “We are lucky to stumble on some information and also to scoop intelligence along the line. We have authenticated audio evidence where the current governor of Gombe State under the leadership of the APC is discussing and sharing information with some of his cohorts.
“He said that he is working and planning toward rigging, manipulating and also out-smarting the BVAS machines and all the electoral laws.
“This is all in a grand attempt and design to make sure that he returns as the governor of Gombe State by any means. This is why we are sharing our concerns as a way of alerting security agencies to take measures to address some of these issues or events that are emerging as we are approaching the election day.”
He said the PDP would continue to take legal means to address the party’s concerns.
Responding to this, Ismaila Uba-Misilli, spokesperson of the ruling All Progressive Congress(APC) campaign council in the state, said the PDP was frightened by the “sterling performance” of Yahaya.
He said, “The governor is a man of peace and one who has so much to show to the public and electorate for them to vote for him.
“The electorates are ready to vote for the governor, in fact, they are willing and ever ready to give him resounding victory come March 18, 2023.”