Abati: Election results in circulation are fake

Reuben Abati, special adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on media and publicity, has urged supporters of of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to dismiss the “fake results” being circulated on social media, allegedly by members and loyalists of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Writing on his Facebook wall on Sunday, he identified EKiti as the only state where INEC had announced official result, saying Jonathan emerged winner.

“Our numerous supporters (both home and abroad) are reaching out to us and requesting that we should say something,” he wrote.

“We can assure you that we are on top of everything. INEC has already addressed the issue of viral ‘opposition’ sponsored fake results that they should be ignored.

“So far, the only announced concluded official result from anywhere is from EKITI state. A resounding victory for President Jonathan! Don’t be fooled or panic. We say thank you.”‎

Similarly, Olisa Metuh, national publicity secretary of PDP, described the figures in circulation as “fake” and far from the true results, “which are currently being collated by INEC, the only body authorised to release and announce results”.

“The APC, in its desperation for power, has resorted to posting fake results in the social media in a bid to ambush the electoral commission and mislead the unsuspecting public to believe it is winning, all in furtherance of its grand plot to cause confusion and set the stage for violence when the authentic results are finally released,” Metuh said.

“We therefore alert Nigerians to be on their guard and close ranks in resisting the APC’s plot to plunge the nation into chaos and anarchy. Our democracy has come to stay and the will of the people must prevail over and above the parochial ambition of a selfish few.

“Finally, we strongly caution the APC against its acts of desperation and use of dishonest methods, including physical attacks against our members and supporters, as these pose great threat to our democracy, the unity and stability of our dear nation.”