The candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded National Assembly elections for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State, Chief Dan Chimezie Okeke has kicked against the declaration of Mr. Ibe Okwara of the Labour Party winner of the election.
Chief Okeke in a statement on Tuesday said the election was marred with irregularities and illegalities, wondering why INEC went ahead to declare a winner after appealing to the people to be patient as a result of non appearance of its officials in some wards.
INEC he said initially declared the election inconclusive on the ground on this.
The affected wards he said are, Isiama Ward, Okamu Ward, and other places where the election could not be held, accusing INEC of repeatedly failing to show up despite attempts to hold the election in affected areas.
He said, “To the surprise of many, INEC announced the results of the election as inconclusive and erroneously declared Mr. Ibe Okwara as the winner. As a result, about 50,000 eligible voters were disenfranchised in the 92 polling units where the election did not take place due to INEC’s failure to show up.
“This action has been deemed unjust and totally unacceptable, and a petition has been lodged with the INEC Office in Umuahia and Abuja to address this issue. The affected supporters have been urged to remain calm and law-abiding while waiting for justice to prevail.
“It is hoped that the commission will conduct elections in the affected areas so that all eligible voters can exercise their democratic rights. In the end, it is expected that justice will prevail and the rightful winner of the Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency seat will be declared.”
