Protests rock Enugu INEC office over irregularities in guber election
Ben Ezechime, Enugu
There is currently heavy but peaceful protests by members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) respectively, at the Enugu office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The protests were not unconnected with failure of the electoral commission to deal with alleged issues of irregularities in Saturday’s Governorshp and House of Assembly elections in the state.
The labour party had rejected the results of Nkanu East Local Government area where it was alleged that BVAS machines were not used in the conduct of the election in the area.
On the other hand, the PDP also contested the results of Nsukka Local government area.
The confusion had compelled INEC to adjourn and defer announcement of winner of the election on Sunday to Monday March 20.
Meanwhile, on Monday morning members of the LP came out in their thousands to carryout a peaceful protest in front of INEC office against failure of INEC to address the irregularities by cancelling the election in Nkanu East.
The protesters are chanting : ” No BVAS, no election! No BVAS no election! We want justice! INEC must comply with the Electoral law!”
They were also calling on the INEC to declare the LP candidate Chijioke Edeoga as winner because the result from Nkanu East violates the electoral act and should be considered null and void.
However, a few PDP protesters on the other hand also came out in protest with the chants: “Declare our candidate, Peter Mbah winner! Mbah has secured the highest number of votes and must be declared winner!”
INEC is yet to react to the protests but heavily armed security personnel comprising the Army, Police, NSCDC and others are stationed at various corners, ensuring that peace is maintained.
