Presidency mocks Atiku, others over poor result at by-elections

…APC was aided by INEC, security agencies – PDP Chairman

Nigerian Presidency, on Monday, mocked the opposition parties over the results of the last Saturday bye-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across 12 States and in 16 Constituencies.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy had on his X handle, (formerly twitter), mocked Atiku Abubakar and his Coalition Group where he mockingly asked with a Nigerian colloquial, “How Market?”, making a reference to the outcome of the results of the elections.

The elections were seen as a test of strength by both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition political parties.

It was also seen by the Bola Tinubu’s Administration as a midterm test and an avenue to measure the response of Nigerians to his economic policies.

Recall that the president had on his first day in Office, announced the removal of fuel subsidy, followed by the abolition of the dual exchange rate policies.

Despite the supposedly harsh policies of Government, the ruling party still cleared 12 out of the 16 vacant seats contested during the elections.

The results declared by INEC, showed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) won in 12 constituencies, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won in two, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) won in one, and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) won in one.

President Bola Tinubu, while reacting to the results, noted that the APC’s performance signposted the confidence Nigerians repose on his Administration

The president commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the hitch-free elections, mostly devoid of violence.

President Tinubu had also congratulated Nentawe Yilwatda, the newly installed APC National Chairman, for the emphatic first victory recorded under his leadership.

He also congratulated the APC governors and other leaders on the success of the by-elections.

“Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has shown leadership capacity and demonstrated what is achievable when popular candidates are fielded and with unity of purpose among party leaders,” the President remarks.

“To all APC faithful and the electorate, thank you for the confidence reposed in our party. Be assured that our Renewed Hope slogan is not a mere slogan. Our destination is a better, more secure and prosperous Nigeria. We shall take you there, by the Grace of God,” he said.

But in a swift response to the mocks, Ibrahim Tahir, Adamawa State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), berated the performance of INEC and the security agencies, which he said, aided the ruling APC to rig the elections.

Tahir stated that “despite arresting an APC official with ballot papers and Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machine, the Sate Police officials and security agencies deployed from Abuja refused to act appropriately.

He also blamed INEC for allegedly allowing the said suspect tp escape with the ballot papers in the by-election conducted in Ganye Constituency in Adamawa State.

“No wonder they deployed excessive security personnel and armoured vehicles to ensure that our people were intimidated and harassed in a state that is effectively under the PDP.

“If this is the type of elections we expect to see in 2027, then there is no hope for democracy”, he said.