The Social Democratic Party candidate for the Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency, Friday Nke‑ee, called for the outright cancellation of the results of the recently concluded supplementary election in the area. Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, he also warned of alleged threats to his life from members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and from unknown individuals.
Nke‑ee said the election was marred by violence and voter intimidation, allegedly orchestrated by thugs suspected of working for the ruling PDP. He claimed these thugs invaded polling units and seized ballot boxes, describing the incident as “unfortunate.” Despite the reported irregularities and violence, he expressed disappointment that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) proceeded to declare results. He further alleged collusion between INEC, the Nigeria Police, and the PDP to manipulate the poll.
“I call on INEC to cancel that election outright,” he said. “We do not know what happened in the first election held on 25 February 2023. If a student fails an exam, they must know their original score before a retake.” He explained that the supplementary election was conducted in Ward 4 Sogho (18 units) and Ward 7 Bagha (24 units), totaling 42 units, while the Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency comprises 619 units. “The election was held in the remaining units on 25 February, and I was leading in almost all of them, except the two wards that were cancelled,” he added.
“If you subtract two wards from 36, you have 34. Conducting the election in 34 of the 36 wards would produce a clear winner,” Nke‑ee argued. “It was not done because I won the first election. We demanded confirmation of our status before the supplementary election, but INEC refused. The collaboration between INEC, the police, and the PDP is evident—‘He who pays the piper dictates the tune.’”
Regarding the threats to his life, Nke‑ee appealed to State Commissioner of Police Okon Effiong for protection for himself and his family. “My life has been threatened repeatedly. I have received calls from high‑ranking PDP members and from unknown numbers. I have been warned that those looking for me are a strike force. On 18 March, I was arrested, humiliated, beaten, tortured, and had my valuables taken, only to be released later. With the current volume of threats, I am calling for security protection,” he said.
In response, State PDP Publicity Secretary Sydney Gbara dismissed Nke‑ee’s allegations as false. Gbara stated, “The supplementary election in Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency was peaceful, and the winner is Rt Hon Dumnamene Dekor of the PDP. INEC conducted the first election, some areas were cancelled and rescheduled, and the process has now concluded. Anyone dissatisfied should seek redress in court, not call for cancellation.”
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