Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Dr John Okechukwu Nwokeabia, deputy governorship candidate of the Labour Party for Enugu State has faulted the Rerun election in Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency held on Saturday February 3.
In a statement he personally signed and made available to Ikengaonline, Nwokeabia said the election was marred by massive rigging, electoral malpractices, violence and suppression of the will of the voters.
He said: “The recent by-election in Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency and Enugu South House of Assembly Election which took place on February 3, 2024, was unfortunately characterised by electoral malpractices, violence, and suppression of the democratic will of the people.
“Incidents of violence, ballot box snatching and voter intimidation also greatly affected the vote in a number of areas. Lack of transparency and operational failures reduced trust in the process and challenged the right to vote.
“To say the least, this was a brazen daylight robbery of the wishes of Ndi Enugu and more frightening is the realisation that this is sadly becoming a dangerous pattern in the electoral process in Enugu State.”
Dr Nwokeabia further said that in a situation where State machinery was turned against the same people it was meant to protect and serve is very worrisome and deserved to be condemned by all lovers of democracy.
According to him: “This stands in stark contrast to the principles of a democratic society where power genuinely resides with the populace.
“Furthermore, the votes of the citizens must be honoured, reflecting the true will of the people.
“The security forces assigned to the polling stations should safeguard the interests of our state and Nigeria as a whole by ensuring that peace and order are maintained.
“Going forward, I urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to affirm its autonomy both in principle and in practice, as this is essential for restoring faith in our electoral system.
“It is also imperative that true electoral reforms to address all the obvious challenges and loopholes encountered during the past elections/bye-elections be front and central in the deliberations of the National Assembly.”
He thanked Labour Party faithful, “for your presence, your persistence and your patriotism! “
