Mr. David Umaru, a 54 year old lawyer and candidate of the All Progressives Congress was set for a major upset, against the ruling PDP and its candidate in the Niger East Senatorial bye election Saturday.

Results from Bosso, Chanchaga, Muyan, Rafi and Shiroro local government areas put the APC torch bearer ahead of former deputy governor of the state and PDP candidate,Dr. Shem Zagbayi Nuhu,and Mr. I. M Bello of All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA). Final results in three of these councils show the APC candidate coasting home to victory. In Rafi Local Government , the APC candidate scored 7,789 votes to PDP 7,670.

In Bosso Local Government Area: APC scored 14, 240, while the PDP got 6,666.

The APC candidate also beat the PDP counterpart with a wide margin in Chanchaga Local Government Area: Final pictures showed the
APC winning 12, 998 and the PDP 6, 812. The APGA candidate scored 233 votes.

Umaru, who was the governorship candidate of the defunct ANPP, part of the APC, was also ahead in Suleja, Gurara, Tafa and Paikoro local government areas.

David Umaru: coasting home to victory

The election, was nearly marred by the morning shower which kept many voters indoors. And there was the added drama of Governor Babangida Aliyu not being able to vote because he left his voter’s card in Abuja and his losing his polling booth to the APC.

Reports indicated that youths in the capital of Minna went round the town jubilating, as the vote tallies came in.

Reports from the nine local government areas where the election held indicated that the exercise was peaceful and devoid of violent activities.

But two persons were arrested in Tunga Barko polling Unit of Maikujeri ward in Rafi local government area for attempting to snatch ballot boxes.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Operations in charge of ‘B’ zone, Mr. Sotonye Wakama confirmed the arrest and said that the case is being investigated.

Speaking shortly after casting his vote, the APC Senatorial candidate, Barrister David Umaru commended the Independent National Electoral Comýmission (INEC) for the peaceful and orderly way the election was conducted.

“I am impressed with what INEC have done. It is more peaceful and organised and it shows the determination of INEC officials to get it right.”

Governor Babangida Aliyu could not vote in the election as he forgot his voters card in Abuja.

He said this at the Umaru Musa Polling Unit in Minna, adding that, he would abide by the rule which states that one cannot vote without having a voter card.

“I forgot my voter card in Abuja, which was human error, but I must commend those that came out to vote,” he said.

The senatorial seat became vacant following the death of Sen. Awaisu Kuta.

Below are the results from the various polling units across the state, but which are yet to be officially released by the INEC:

•Area Court 1 Maikukulele, Bosso LGA: APC -134; PDP – 62

• Unit2, Maikunkulele Ward, Bosso LGA:APC – 202; PDP 63

•Nyinyi Maikunkele Bosso LGA: APC – 109; PDP – 53

•Umaru Musa Close, Tundunwada South, Chanchaga LGA: APC – 69; PDP – 53

•Yamaha Nite Close, Minna South, Chanchanga LGA: APC – 91; PDP 54

•Nikangbe Minna South Chanchaga LGA:APC – 184; PDP – 27

• Gaboda Unit Maje Ward, Suleja LGA: APC – 49; PDP – 45

• Muntun Daya Unit, She Ward ,Shiroro LGA: APC 144; PDP – 43

•Paiko Central, Paikoro LGA: APC 1,433: PDP- 791