The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the main opposition parties in Abia state have alleged that the ruling party in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has perfected its rigging machinery as majority of the Returning and Collation Officers for the state’s upcoming elections are members of the PDP, Igberetvnews reports.
This was disclosed by Chief Emeka Anozie, a chieftain of the APC in the state during a media chat with Igberetvnews on Friday.
“They brought lecturers from Abia State University who are known card-carrying PDP members. 90 percent of them, so how do you expect the process to be fair?” he queried.
Chief Anozie threatened that his party, the APC will take to the streets on Friday if by 3pm the Abia state Resident Electoral Commissioner does not reverse the appointment of the suspected partisan Returning and Collation Officers. “If they don’t change those names, we will protest and demand the postponement of the election” he added.
Also speaking, a chieftain of APGA, Dr. Chris Ezeocha alleged that the PDP wants to perpetuate themselves in power through the back door. “The PDP is doing what they are known for. We will resist this attempt to remain in power through dubious means. The Chairman of INEC, Yakubu Mahmoud must quickly swing into action and mandate the Abia REC to change that list immediately. If this is not done, with the anger in the minds of our people, I’m afraid of what the outcome may be. What we saw during the training is surprising. Almost all the people to officiate in the elections are PDP members. I’m afraid there may not be election in the state. That’s the situation of things” he insisted.
All efforts made by Igberetvnews to reach the state’s APC Chairman, Hon. Donatus Nwankpa and APGA’s publicity secretary for comments were unfruitful.
