New Nigerian Newspapers Online Edition

THE ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to embark on legal action to challenge the recent council polls in Bauchi State. A statement from the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali yesterday said the PDP resorted to legal action because of what it described as disenfranchisement of its supporters.

PDP described as unfortunate, the action of the State Independent Electoral Commission not only in disqualifying the PDP candidates but also in forging ahead with the election even when the party decided to boycott the polls.

It said what happened in Bauchi last weekend in the name of elections was a mere charade and mockery of democracy as it ran counter to all known democratic norms and decency.

The party also reiterated its support for the candidacy of Alhaji Aliyu Magatarkada Wamakko in the upcoming governorship re-run election in Sokoto State, saying that the Court of Appeal that voided his election had in its judgement given him the nod to recontest.

Accordingly, the PDP urged its supporters to disregard the rumour making the rounds that he would be substituted with another candidate.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has condemned in strong terms the charade that took place in Bauchi in the name of Local Governments Election last Saturday, May 10, 2008,” he said.