Ahead of the December 10 rerun National Assembly elections in Rivers State, the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje; and the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Friday engaged each other in a war of words.
Ganduje who is the Chairman of the All Progressives Campaign Council for the rerun had told State House correspondents that free and fair elections are not normal in that part of the country.
He however said efforts would be made this time to make the elections credible.
But Wike, in his reaction described Ganduje’s comment as unfortunate.
The Kano State governor who spoke with reporters shortly after meeting President Muhammadu Buhari behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja said the APC was ready and would win the elections.
Ganduje said, “We are prepared. We just came out of Ondo elections. We have fresh ideas even though both environments are different but we have our own strategies.
“Like in Ondo State, we must ensure have free and fair elections.
“You know in that part of the country, having free and fair elections is not normal and we have to make it normal this time.
“We must ensure that there is security so that people will come out and vote. That is our main preoccupation at the moment. We are making wider consultations with stakeholders and we believe we will succeed.”
But Wike wondered if Ganduje has constituted himself into the electoral body that would conduct the elections.
He said he would be waiting for him to come and perform the magic he performed in his state during the last general elections.
Wike said, “It is unfortunate if he (Ganduje) said so. As far as I am concerned, elections have been normal in my part of the country. All we are asking for is free and fair election.
“Is Governor Ganduje speaking on behalf of INEC? Is he the one conducting the elections now? I have respect for him as an elderly person but his statement is unfortunate.
“When his friend won the governorship election in Rivers State, the election was normal. The election was also normal in Edo State where his party won. We are waiting for him to come and perform the magic he did in Kano State.”
PUNCH
