An aspirant for the House of Representatives seat for Bauchi Central under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salisu Sabo, has warned the party’s electoral committee against alleged manipulation of results in the ongoing party primaries in Bauchi State.

Sabo cautioned against the declaration of what he described as an “Unqualified candidate,” insisting that such action could cost the party victory in the general election.

The aspirant made the remarks on Sunday while addressing supporters during a victory rally organised after the primary election conducted across the 12 ward polling units.

He claimed to have emerged victorious in the exercise and said he was the only aspirant who monitored the election process from morning until evening to ensure fairness, justice, and transparency.

According to him, the party risks losing the seat if it fails to present a credible candidate.

“If the party mistakenly fields an unqualified candidate, it risks losing the seat. History may repeat itself, just as in 2017 when a popular candidate was denied the ticket, defected to the PRP, and eventually won the House of Assembly seat,” he said.

Sabo appealed to the electoral committee to ensure justice and transparency in the collation and announcement of the results.

“I believe I am the rightful winner, considering the overwhelming support shown by party members and supporters during the appreciation rally,” he added.
Meanwhile, confusion has continued to trail the primary election, with four aspirants reportedly laying claim to victory.

Some party members who spoke on condition of anonymity alleged that there were plans to manipulate the process, accusing the electoral committee of deliberately delaying the exercise.

Findings by our correspondent also revealed that election materials were distributed from the party secretariat at about 4:30 p.m. to various local government areas for onward distribution to polling units.

Similarly, all efforts to get reactions from the party chairman, Public Relations Officer (PRO), and members of the electoral committee on the matter proved abortive, despite repeated visits to the APC secretariat before filing this report.