The All Progressives Congress candidate in the Anambra South senatorial by-election, Azuka Okwuosa, has rejected the outcome of the poll.
The by-election was held across seven council areas (Aguata, Ekwusigo, Ihiala, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Orumba North, and Orumba South).
Addressing journalists on Monday in Oraifite, Ekwusigo LGA, Mr Okwuosa expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the election, alleging widespread irregularities and electoral malpractice.
He claimed the exercise was marred by rigging and manipulation. According to him, the polls lacked integrity, competence, neutrality, and moral standing, and should therefore be rejected outright.
“What we witnessed was a charade. APGA and government forces deployed state security, including Operation Udo-ga-chi, to create an unfair advantage and compromise the process,” Mr Okwuosa said.
Mr Okwuosa alleged that despite the police banning vigilante groups from election duty, they were present across polling units, harassing and intimidating voters.
He accused the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance government of colluding with some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission to sabotage the electoral process.
According to him, the development dealt a severe blow to Nigeria’s democratic integrity, stressing that security forces failed to protect citizens against real threats like kidnappers.
“The people deserve free, fair, and credible elections, not exercises where outcomes are predetermined and compromised,” Mr Okwuosa said.
He claimed the APC was leading before more than 300 operatives of Operation Udo-ga-chi allegedly invaded polling areas across the senatorial district. Mr Okwuosa further alleged that the group laid siege to his residence, preventing him from casting his vote, an incident he said was recorded on CCTV.
He urged his supporters to remain calm despite the provocation, stressing that he prevailed on them not to retaliate.
“Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his administration have failed the people under this system,” he added.
INEC’s returning officer, Frank Ojiako, declared APGA’s Emmanuel Nwachukwu winner with 90,408 votes, defeating Mr Okwuosa of APC, who polled 19,847 votes. Donald Amamgbo of the African Democratic Congress finished third with 2,889 votes.
(NAN)
