The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a statement urging Mr. Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Mr. Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to accept the outcome of the recently conducted Kogi State gubernatorial election.
In a press conference held by Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, the party emphasized the need for all participants in the election to acknowledge the results and respect the democratic process. The APC leaders expressed their gratitude for their victories in Imo and Kogi states, acknowledging the challenges faced in Bayelsa, where they suffered defeat.
Addressing Mr. Dino Melaye’s declaration of unwillingness to challenge the election results due to a lack of confidence in the judiciary, the APC urged him to accept the democratic process and the rights of the people of Kogi to choose their leaders. The party highlighted the importance of participating in elections as a democratic right, emphasizing that calls for opposition parties to boycott future elections do not hinder the democratic process.
Similarly, the APC addressed Mr. Murtala Ajaka’s initial stance of not challenging the election due to a lack of confidence in the judiciary. The sudden change of heart, with Ajaka now intending to petition the Election Tribunal, prompted the APC to stress the need for consistency in their positions and a fair acceptance of the election’s outcome.
The APC maintained that, despite concerns about the Bayelsa election, they are committed to pursuing legal avenues for redress and justice, avoiding any underhand or undemocratic methods. The party called for a peaceful resolution of disputes and urged all parties to uphold the principles of democracy.
The press release also touched upon the allegations raised by opposition parties regarding electoral irregularities in Kogi. The APC reiterated the importance of INEC conducting thorough investigations and invited dissenting parties to follow legal channels for dispute resolution.
In conclusion, the APC urged all parties involved to accept their fate, respect the rule of law, and contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability in Kogi State. The statement emphasized the commitment of the APC to democratic values and the promotion of a peaceful political environment.
