I’ll accept outcome of poll - Bauchi Governor assures

Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed has said he will willingly accept the outcome of the Governorship/Assembly elections in the State.

He spoke on Saturday in his hometown, Yelwan Duguri in the Alkaleri Local Government Area.

He arrived at his polling unit, Barkin Dutse Primary school, Unit 8, alongside his wife, Aisha around noon.

There was a heavy presence of security personnel, including operatives of the Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at the Governor’s polling unit.

Speaking to journalists shortly after casting his vote, he commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), saying the process has been smooth without hitches so far.

He also expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the exercise in the state.

Mohammed, who is seeking re-election, said he is ready to accept the outcome of the gubernatorial poll.

“Well, as I came here, you know my village is about 120 kilometers from the Bauchi metropolis and I see people come out. The turnout is high here.

"I’m happy that everything appears to be very peaceful and I feel this is the kind of situation we need all over the country. People exercise their franchises without hindrance, acrimony, and conflict. We are very grateful to God. INEC has done very well as far as I’m concerned. We are ready to accept the outcome of the election."

He raised concerns over the hovering of a military helicopter in some communities in Alkaleri.

Mohammed, who condemned the development, said: ” I’ve been complaining about the militarisation of the electoral process and I’ve complained to Mr. President and I’ve also complained to all the security agencies.

"Left to me, I didn’t want any air force personnel to participate in the election because a former Chief of Air Staff is competing with me. I didn’t want him to be given undue advantage”