There were jubilation on Monday in Bauchi by residents and supporters of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi was declared the winner of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

The jubilant supporters were seen carrying placards with various inscriptions, such as: “4+4”, “Kauran Bauchi” and “Jagaban Katagum”, among others, as they trooped to the Government House on motorcycles and vehicles.

Immediately the governor, who was seeking re-election, was announced winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), his supporters thronged to the government house to celebrate with him.

One of the supporters, Ibrahim Musa, said they had been waiting and praying fervently for this day to come, adding that they knew the governor would become victorious at the end of the exercise.

“This is because he has performed wonderfully well in restoring the lost glory of the state.

“We are here to celebrate with him, his family and PDP because he really deserves this victory,” he said.

However, Mr Mohammed, who was only seen receiving the supporters by waving at them in excitement at the front of Rahmat House, did not make any statement before retiring to his residence.

The Returning Officer for the governorship election, Prof. Abdulkarim Mohammed of the Federal University, Dutse, declared Governor Mohammed the winner, having fulfilled all the requirements of the law.

He said that Bala Mohammed of the PDP polled 525,280 votes, with Sadique Abubakar of the APC garnering 432,272 votes and Haliru Jika of the NNPP 60,496 votes.

Mr Mohammed won in 15 of the 20 LGAs of Toro; Tafawa Balewa, Ningi, Alkaleri, Dass, Ganjuwa, Zaki, Shira, Dambam, Itas/Gadau, Warji, Bogoro, Jama’are and Kirfi, while Mr Abubakar won the remaining five – Katagum, Misau, Darazo, Gamawa and Giade.

(NAN)