Abuja- The All Progressives Congress (APC), on Thursday said it would challenge in court some alleged constitutional breaches before, during and after the just-concluded governorship election in Ekiti State.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, made this known at a news conference at the end of the Inaugural Meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party in Abuja.

“APC has decided to challenge in court some constitutional breaches as part of efforts to prevent a recurrence of what happened in Ekiti.

“These include the militarisation of the process, and harassment and intimidation of citizens, especially those in opposition.

“We encourage our leaders and supporters, who were arrested, harassed and intimidated, to seek the enforcement of their rights.

“Election is a process, and whatever happens on the voting day is only an integral part of that process.

“What happens before, during and after the voting day completes the process’’, noting that the events leading to the Election Day in Ekiti  “negate the principles of a free, fair and credible election.”

Alhaji Mohammed said there was need for election management body to ensure continuous improvement of the nation’s electoral system for the sustainability of democracy.

He commended immediate past governor of Ekiti, Dr. Kayode Fayemi for showing rare sportsmanship by conceding defeat and congratulating the winner, Mr. Ayodele Fayose.

“We are very proud of Fayemi for his conduct and comportment before, during and after the election.

“We hail him as a true democrat in the true spirit of the APC’s belief that election is never a do-or-die affair; Nigerians must always be free to elect those who govern them.’’

The former  governor of Ekiti Dr Fayemi,  in a show of political maturity, after the Electoral body INEC announced the results, congratulated the State Governor-Elect, Dr Ayodele Fayose on his victory in the June 21 governorship election.

In Fayemi’s words:   “If indeed this is the will of the Ekiti People, I stand in deference to your will. If the result of the elections is an expression of the voice of our people, we must all heed your voice.

“I have just spoken with my brother, Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose, congratulating him on his victory. In a few hours from now, I would be meeting the Governor-elect to discuss the future of our dear state and how we would work together to institute a smooth transition programme.”

Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, had condemned  the government for preventing governors and party members from attending the APC campaign rally a few days before the election, saying it was “not just unconstitutional but criminal and such persons should be charged to court.”

/NAN