The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has thanked Akwa Ibom people for voting President Buhari and Prof. Osinbajo on February 23.
NAN reports that he spoke during a town hall meeting held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital.
He alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) colluded with some of the electoral officers to work for the opposition even though the people voted for APC.
“We have not come here to lament that our mandate was on February 23. We have come to thank you that you voted for President Buhari, and all members of the party. You did your job but some armed robbers in INEC stole your votes.
“You think that those who stole your votes will have peace? We have come to reaffirm our commitment with democracy.
“We have come to affirm that no robber will go unpunished, but when an electoral umpire is corrupt and collude with the opposition, we have the witnesses and we have lawyers to deal with that.
“On Saturday we are not going to wait for them to steal out votes. We call on Akwa Ibom people to protect their votes. We must maintain our sanity even in this hour of provocation.
“Those who committed democratic abortion would be brought to book,” Oshiomhole said.
The APC governorship candidate in the state, Mr Nsima Ekere, encouraged the people not to be deterred by the Feb. 23 elections, but to go out and vote during the March 9 elections, saying the party was sure of victory.
He said that the people of the state were in need of change, as demonstrated by him during his campaign across the 31 local government areas of the state.
He assured the president that after March 9 elections, Akwa Ibom would not be in the opposition but would be reunited with the centre.
“Thank you for what you are doing for APC. The people voted for you, that vote is a re-validation of what the people want. You put Nigeria’s economy back on track.
“We are here because we have faith in you and Mr President, the opposition and INEC have no choice than to give us back our mandate.
“Whosoever shall attempt to work against the collective will of Akwa Ibom people, we shall collectively resist.
“We send a message to the electoral umpire and the other parties that they must respect the votes of the people, every vote must count. Akwa Ibom people love APC,” Ekere said.
