Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ebonyi State, Chukwuma Odii, has alleged that there were pockets of violence in some parts of the State.
Odii stated this while interacting with Journalists after casting his vote at Nworie Town Hall Polling Unit 025 in Isu-Achara in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of desperation to retain power at all costs.
He said: “They are very desperate by trying to disrupt the electoral process. There have been reported cases of violence in Afikpo North/ South and Ohaozara LGA and virtually every where in the State.
“We learnt about burning of ballot papers, but we are not relenting.
Yes, according to the electoral law, we will call for cancellation of those areas where election materials was destroyed.
“The security agencies would should do more, that is our thinking, considering reports of violence and what happened in the Presidential election.
“Rating the election is a challenge considering the pockets of violence recorded here and there in this election. From what I hear the people are resisting them and I believe at the end, we will be victorious.”
Also, the Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in Ebonyi State, Bernard Odoh, alleged widespread violence in his Ezza North Local Government Area.
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to re-conduct Elections in wards where the processes were disrupted by thugs.
Professor Odoh alleged that massive number of armed thugs were on rampage in Umuezekoha ward where election materials were carted away and burnt.
He alleged that some of the thugs wore fake army and police uniforms and shot three voters in Omege ward emphasising that the aim was to suppress votes in the area.
Professor Odoh said security agents deployed to the area were doing their best but they were not enough to contain the number of thugs all over the place.
He described the turnout of voters in the state as generally low emphasising that he envisaged low margin of winning.
Resident Electoral Commission (REC), Pauline Onyeka confirmed receiving reports of violence in parts of the State.
She however said she was awaiting further directives of what actions to take with regards to the affected polling units.
