Atiku votes, says “I am a democrat”; happy with process so far

Atiku votes, says “I am a democrat”; happy with process so far

Atiku Abubakar

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has expressed satisfaction with the electoral process so far after casting his vote.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Atiku voted at Ajiya Polling Unit, Gwadabawa Ward in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa at 10:8 a.m. He was accompanied by his wife, Titi.

On whether he will accept the result of the election whichever way it goes, he said: “I am a democrat”.

The PDP flagbearer was all smiles after casting his ballot as journalists pelted him with questions most of which were drowned in the noise at the environment.

Meanwhile, security operatives on Saturday mounted heavy presence at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Collation centre situated at the International Conference Centre (ICC) and the commission’s Headquarters in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that armoured vehicles and security personnel, both armed and unarmed, were strategically positioned at the entrance of the centre, located in the Central Business District of Abuja.

Security vehicles were also stationed at the access roads leading to the centre.

NAN reports that only accredited people including the media, observer groups, INEC officers on duty as well as vehicles with access stickers were allowed access into the centre.

NAN also report that security arrangement s at INEC headquarters, Maitama Abuja was also tight as security personnel also manned the gate and premises of the building.

Some of the security agencies at centre include the Nigeria Army, Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps, Fire Service, Vehicles Inspection Officers (VIO), and Department of Security Service.(NAN)