Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Abia State, said it totally rejects the results of the March 18 governorship poll in Abia State so far declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
A statement by APGA Chairman Rev Augustine Ehiemere, said “the results so far announced did not in any way reflect the will of Abia voters as demonstrated at the various polling units.”
The statement which was issued Monday morning said: “We are highly disappointed that the votes cast for our candidate, Professor Greg Ibe, were suppressed and not credited to him.”
It further read: “Regrettably too, there were brazen irregularities including snatching of ballot papers, over-voting in favour the PDP, unprecedented manipulation and violence against the opposition.
“Most of the results were collated without recourse to BVAS machines, hence, they cannot be relied upon.
“We appeal to our members to remain calm and watch things unfold. We firmly believe that light will triumph over darkness, and Abia emancipated from the chains of undemocratic forces.
“Obingwa election was manually conducted against the requirements of the Electoral Act and thugs invaded INEC office.
“In Ugwunagbo ballot boxes were hijacked. A woman voter was kidnapped. Ukwa East Returning Officer was housed in the house of a PDP chieftain.
“The election was marred with irregularities in all parts of the state, and APGA cannot accept a highly flawed election.”
Ikengaonline had reported that Dr Alex Otti of the Labour Party was leading in the results from 10 Local Government Areas so far declared as at Sunday evening before the Presiding Officer, Professor Nnenna Oti adjourned collation till Monday morning.
Collation, however, is yet to resume as at the time of filing this report.
Tension has been building up across the state as residents await the final declaration of the remaining results.
