Sen. Jeremiah Useni, gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau, has vowed to challenge the re-election of Governor Simon Lalong for another term. Useni said that he and his team had gone through both the official results released by INEC and the documents submitted by the party’s field staff and had reservations.
“We have every reason to believe that justice has not been done to our people in this election because there was massive rigging and electoral shortcomings. After due consultation, I hereby state that the results announced by INEC is not acceptable to us. Consequently, we have requested our legal team to activate all the due processes to reclaim our cherished mandate. I give you my word that we will pursue this matter diligently, and by the grace of God, we will overturn and recover the people’s mandate.”
The PDP flag bearer expressed appreciation to the people of Plateau for their massive support to him and the party in their preference for good governance. Useni said that they did this, in spite of all manner of challenges. He added that their determination was a clear testimony of their desire to get rid of a non-performing administration that had long turned its back against their welfare and security.
“I assure you that such massive support will not go in vain,” he said, adding: “I appeal to all of us to unite all the more now and avoid any bickering and blame-giving. Let us remain focused on the struggle and avoid anything else that will distract and divide us. I want you to know that it is not yet over. This is only a temporary setback. We have entered another critical stage,” he said.
Incumbent Governor Lalong of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who retained his office after Saturday’s supplementary polls, is seeking the support of Plateau people to deliver the dividends of democracy to them. The governor, who was declared the winner of the polls by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday in Jos, said the support of the people and political stakeholders would ensure the success of his mandate to develop the state.
“I am humbled I was voted again to serve Plateau for another tenure to move it to greater heights. We need unity and peace to move this state to the next level. Core values of team spirit, mutual respect and tolerance are required for sustainable peace and a good working relationship in the state and I promise to discharge my duties diligently and selflessly, “he said.
“I am humbled by the unquantifiable honour you have bestowed on me. It is now time to cast aside all political differences, and with all hands on deck, chart a forward looking course, for only unity can empower us to do more! May God bless Our dear Plateau State,’ Lalong said on Twitter.
Lalong commended INEC, security agencies, the media and voters for the peaceful and successful rerun elections in the State, saying it was one of the most peaceful nationwide.
Lalong was declared winner with 595,582 votes after beating his close rival, 76 year-old Gen. Jeremiah Useni of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who got 546,813 votes. Prof Richard Kimbir, the Returning Officer, presented the result on Sunday in Jos on behalf of INEC in Plateau.
“The valid votes totaled 1,159,954, with the rejected votes standing at 16,188, while the total votes cast was 1,176,142,” he said. The margin of victory between Lalong of APC and Useni of the PDP is 48,769 votes. The gubernatorial election held on March 9 in Plateau had been declared inconclusive. This had led to a rerun election in 40 polling units in nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
