Head of Media of the Abubakar Audu/James Faleke Campaign Organisation, Dr. Tom Ohikere, has warned the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to take any action capable of plunging Kogi State into crisis.
Ohikere, who gave the warning in Lokoja on Saturday, advised the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, not to allow his selfish interest to ruin the party.
He also warned the APC leadership not to misrepresent the party as an Islamic organisation, saying it was founded for all Nigerians irrespective of tribe and religion.
He described the decision to replace the late Alhaji Abubakar Audu with Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who came second in the primary, as “illegal and moral burden” on Odigie-Oyegun and other members of the National Working Committee.
Ohikere also described the comments made by Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, on how to find a replacement for the late Audu as “pure script reading”.
He said: “I do not agree with the AGF on his position regarding the nomination of another candidate by the APC.
“I however agree that supplementary election can be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“Surprisingly, all these arguments seem to have overlooked the provisions of section 187 (1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.”
Ohikere said Faleke was an associate candidate in the governorship election and should be allowed constitutionally to become the party’s candidate.
He said: “Faleke was not just a candidate of the APC in that election, but has acquired vested rights in the results declared to simply nominate a running mate who will conclude the process along with him.”
He advised the Minister of Justice and the national leadership of the party to suspend their ongoing move to undermine the provision of the law on selfish grounds for the sake peace and unity of the state.
Audu was leading in the Kogi governorship poll conducted on Saturday, November 21 before the election was declared inconclusive by INEC on Sunday.
His death was announced shortly afterwards and he has since been buried according to Islamic rites.
