He was leading in the 21 local government already conducted before the election was declared ‘inconclusive’ by INEC. The requiem at his burial site was a testimony of his personality. All state and local government offices were closed in the State in line with the three-day mourning period declared by Governor Idris Wada; just like ministries and agencies were under lock and key, flag flew at half mast. A similar situation was also observed in the secretariat of the 21 Local Government area of the state. Aside the closure of state and local government officers, some private business centres did not open for business, while all banks across the state also observed the mourning period.
The streets of Lokoja especially Ganaja junction that used to experience heavy traffic, showed little or no activities at all. He was that ‘powerful’ even in death. Since 2003 when Audu was ousted from power by the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, through federal might, he struggled to return back to power, contesting in every elections. In 2003, he lost to Ibrahim Idris, in 2007, he contested again against same Idris and lost, a rerun was called in 2008, he contested and lost, in 2011 he did and lost to Capt. Idris Wada and finally in 2015 he won but lost to death.
All through these elections, he has adjudged himself to be the winner saying the Federal might controlled then by the PDP have always been used to usurp his victory. In 2015, his prayer seemed to be heard as the PDP led federal government lost to APC, giving him ray of hope to contest again in the last election and indeed was actually coasting to victory. But just as he was about to celebrate his victory, death snatched him away.
There were many angles to his death. Audu was said to have complained of stomach ache on Saturday shortly after voting and returning to his country home in Ogbonicha, Ofu Local Government, and was advised to take a rest. Though some said he had died as early as 10 am on Sunday but other source said he slumped and died after the Independent National Electoral Commission declared the result inconclusive.
Accusation has continue to trail his death, some said he was poisoned by ‘people’ who may benefit from his death, others said his time was up as they regarded Audu as a mystified person that no one could have easily caused his death. But pointer to his ill-health started on Wednesday prior to the election. It was the day for the grand finale rally of the party in support of his guber ambition. The Federal Government delegation headed by the Vice President, Yemi Osibanjo was at hand to honour the rally, but Audu was absent at the airstrip to welcome the VP. Many have attributed his absence at the welcome party to annoyance that President Muhammedu Buhari himself was not present and he was not happy to receive the VP. Only those close to him knew that he was already feeling the weight of illness and asked his deputy, James Faleke to welcome the VP.
At the rally, Audu only spoke for five minutes, unlike him, who use to exhibit his charisma and eloquent flow of speech at every public fora. The following day, the state Campaign committee, held its final meeting to strategize on the election. Even when the meeting was held at Audu’s house in GRA, Lokoja, it was still his deputy, Faleke, that presided over the meeting. Audu was seriously ill, resting upstairs and could not stay for the hour-long meeting. On Friday, Audu was already at his country home, but was not getting better, the family called for medical personnel who placed him on drip and bed rest. Audu only remove the drip on Saturday to enable him go for accreditation by 9:30.
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