The death of Prince Abubakar Audu who is APC's governorship candidate for the kogi state election has created a vacuum literally and figuratively in the heart of family members, APC and Nigeria. It has indeed thrown up a volcano of confusion for as it appears, the law and indeed Nigeria was not prepared for such a delicate situation. However, the onus lies on us to forge ahead.

In forging ahead, a question has arisen as to who is entitled in the eyes of the law to fill the vacuum created by Audu's demise in the kogi state election. It is worthy of mention that the election was declared inconclusive prior to Audu's death. As it stands, 90% of the votes is regarded valid by INEC. It remains only the other 10% of the votes for the election to be considered concluded. This means that it is imperative a candidate is chosen quickly to replace Audu.

It is worthy of mention that in filling the lacuna created by Audu's death, PDP suggested the second runner-up in the yet to be concluded election be declared winner of the election by INEC and I must say that this position is laughable.

In my own view, it is for the intelligent masses who have been the observers of this procedure and are not blinded by political interest to provide solution to this case to avoid injustice.

This calls to mind the position of 11 out of 25 members of the kogi state house of assembly who posit that Muhammed Audu the son of late prince Abubakar Audu should take up the position since in the words of Maman Rabiu a member of kogi state house of assembly, the younger Audu has the clout of his father. This is yet another laughable contribution that even contravene section 141 of the electoral act which provides that an election tribunal or court shall not under any circumstance declare any person a winner at an election in which a person has not participated in all the stages of such election. From the foregoing the younger Audu does not stand a chance.

On the part of the APC, Yahaya Bello has been chosen to replace Audu for reasons which can only be described as sentiments of the APC and does not represent the spirit of the law. The aim of appointing Bello though he was second in the primaries is to reposition and shake off the party from the perceived claws of Bola Tinubu,which shows that the welfare of the rule of law and the good people of kogi state is not even in the agenda. This is more so when it stated that the choice of Bello will ensure power shift in the state. It also stated that Faleke cannot be allowed to step into Audu's shoes because of internal power struggle in the APC. We can not let APC sacrifice kogi because it wants to run away from Tinubu. Their grouse with Tinubu is not our business.

This brings us to the issue of the position of late Audu's running mate Faleke in this case. Faleke was nominated Audu's running mate in the election and together Audu and Faleke with the help of APC worked for the vote which has placed APC at the forefront in the election.

Secondly, this situation calls for the review of the essence of a running mate who in turn automatically becomes a deputy governor. After all the law mandates that the validity of a gubernatorial candidate can only stand where he has correspondingly nominated a running mate. Also section 181 of the CFRN 1999 provides that if a person duly elected as governor dies before taking the oath of office and subsequently the oath of allegiance the person elected with him as deputy governor shall be sworn in as governor. The provision of this law does not completely cover our current situation but it is very close and in obedience to the spirit of the law, Faleke should replace Audu and another running mate be nominated.

It is important for us to try and entrench democracy and obedience to the rule of law not just paying lip service to it no matter whose of is gored. The candidacy of Faleke is a bitter pill that APC must swallow irrespective of their sentiments. This also shows that the post of a deputy governor is not as useless as we have made it appear. The candidate must always be chosen With care. PEACE.

Really!!!!!!


The problem be say whether dem go hear; Abi no be for 9ja we dey again ni......


Everything for 9ja na wash!!!!!

The constitution is not too ambiguous about this. Faleke should be made to conclude the election, being the joint candidate of his party from the begining.
One wonders where they got their Bello from.

As you rightly opined, the APC's choice of Yahaya Bello was based on sentiment. It is a highly flawed, unjust decision which the Supreme Court is very sure to throw away.

OP, I agree with you.

Faleke is the rightful candidate to take Audu's place. Period.
Whatever reasons put forward that Faleke is not qualified is after thought. Such reasons would have been put forward before the commencement of the election.

Faleke for APC governor, Kogi State.