[File] Governor of Benue State Samuel Ortom
• APC ex-chieftain accuses INEC chairman of midnight meeting with Buhari, others to rig poll
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has urged the people to vote for the standard-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, describing him as the best contestant to tackle the economy and restore unity.
He made the call yesterday in a statement of appreciation to Benue people for the memorable reception, which they accorded Atiku during his presidential campaign in the state.
The governor said it was reassuring that Atiku had pledged to support the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law to ensure lasting peace and security.
He also urged the Benue people to sustain the momentum of support for Atiku, as well as all PDP candidates vying for various positions in the coming general election.
Ortom commended former Senate Presidents, Senators David Mark and Iyorchia Ayu, immediate past governor, Gabriel Suswam, the Tor Tiv, the Och’ Idoma and the entire Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers, Christian Association of Nigeria, as well as the Muslim community for their cooperation and support.
Read Also:
Meanwhile, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has again accused the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu of holding mid-night meeting with the President Muhammadu Buhari and some members of his administration.
Frank in a statement in Abuja alleged that the parley took place on Saturday, adding that it was aimed at perfecting rigging strategies for the forthcoming general elections.
He claimed that he was in possession of incontrovertible evidence about the nocturnal meeting between Yakubu, Buhari’s relative, Amina Zakari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari.
Others, who attended the meeting at the Defence House, he said, included the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.
Frank disclosed that information revealed that Yakubu wore a dark suit, while Amina Zakari spotted a loose fitting outfit, and they both arrived at the Defence House at 1:15a.m in a Black Lexus bulletproof Jeep, for the meeting, which lasted for one hour.
“It is unbecoming for Yakubu and Buhari’s relative, Amina Zakari, to again hold a night session with PMB and members of his cabinet a few days to the general election.
“The INEC’s boss must explain to Nigerians what he was doing with Buhari, members of his administration and a top security chief at such an ungodly hour few days to the presidential poll,” he said.
He urged the opposition political parties to be vigilant during the elections to thwart the rigging efforts to deprive them victory in their respective political strongholds.
