Reactions have continued to trail the shocking death of Prince Abubakar Audu, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in last Saturday’s election.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) described the deceased as Prince of hope, a symbol of peace and an apostle of unity and reintegration of Kogi state, Vanguard reports.
In a statement issued by Mai Mala Buni, the party’s national publicity secretary, the APC sympathized with Audu’s family, saying it would not abandon its candidate even in death.
Audu Abubakar buried.
The party called on the people of the state and its supporters to remain calm and not to allow their spirit to be dampened by Audu’s sudden demise.
The statement read: “The demise of Prince Abubakar Audu has no doubt created a big vacuum in Kogi state and APC but we take solace in the fact that God gives, God takes. He might have physically transited but he will forever be spiritually and politically relevant not only in Kogi state but in Nigeria.
“We appeal to the people of the state to see Audu’s death as an act of God. There should be no recourse to lawlessness or vindictiveness in whatever form. The only honour we can do Prince Abubakar Audu is to remain peaceful and resolve to be undaunted in preserving the adorable ideals he lived for. It was evident to all that he ran a good race, he played his part well and he earned a rare rating as an exemplary leader.
“APC urges its members and supporters in Kogi Stare and nationwide.”
The election which had Audu leading, was declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The APC said it is still studying the scenario and would reach a decision soon, adding that its response to the to the inconclusiveness of the Kogi state governorship election would be based on the constitution.
“On INEC’s position that the November 21, 2015 governorship poll in Kogi State was inconclusive, APC is studying the declaration of the Returning Officer, Prof. Emmanuel Kucha, who is the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, based on Section M, Paragraph 4(Page 22) of INEC Approved Guidelines and Regulations for the Conduct of the 2015 General Elections.
“APC believes in the rule of law, strict adherence to 1999 Constitution and Electoral Act 2010(as Amended.
“The situation in Kogi State is a test case for the rule of law and our growing democracy. APC is committed to its pledge to ensure a sustainable democracy in the country),” the party said.
Also speaking, Timi Frank, the party’s deputy national publicity secretary, in a statement on Monday stated that the party shall explore all choices and act within the law to find alternatives to Audu.
Lawyers have said that the death of the governorship candidate, Audu has exposed a gap in the constitution. His death has prompted a constitutional controversy as the country’s constitution did not envisage the present circumstances.
The Nigeria constitution only made remark of death of elected aspirant that is yet to be inaugurated.
Festus Keyamo, a lawyer agrees that the matter at hand is complex but is of the opinion that Audu’s running mate, Abiodun Faleke, should be given the ticket of the APC.
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