‘We have evidence’ — PDP accuses Gombe governor of plotting to rig guber poll

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe has accused Inuwa Yahaya, the governor, of planning to rig the forthcoming elections in the state.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Ayuba Aluke, spokesperson of the PDP campaign in the state, alleged that Yahaya has perfected plans to compromise the elections.

Aluke said the PDP obtained audio evidence of the alleged plan and has submitted it to security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other concerned stakeholders for necessary 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”.

“We are lucky to stumble on some information and also to scoop intelligence along the line,” he said.

“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 will continue to take legal means to address the party’s concerns.

APC: THERE’S NO SUCH PLAN

Reacting to the allegation, Ismaila Uba-Misilli, spokesperson of the APC campaign council in the state, said the PDP is frightened by the “sterling performance” of Yahaya.

Uba-Misilli said the PDP members resorted to falsehood because they know they would lose at the polls.

“Earlier, I sent a press statement alerting the public of the plan by PDP to smear the name of the governor through some unscrupulous means,” he said.

“As far as we are concerned, there is no plan to rig any election. So all these are concoctions of facts by the PDP knowing fully well that they are bound to lose the election and may not have anything to show to the public.

“I advise them to face their campaign and woo voters. Let them stop propagating falsehoods against the governor.

“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 electorate are ready to vote for the governor, in fact, they are willing and ever ready to give him a resounding victory come March 18, 2023.”