Abia PDP Councillorship Candidate Expresses Concern Over Election Irregularities

Abia PDP Councillorship Candidate Expresses Concern Over Election IrregularitiesThe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) councilorship candidate for Okamu Ward in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, Hon. Igwe Akuma Akwu, has raised alarm over the safety of his life following the local government elections held on November 2nd. Akwu claims that despite winning the election, his victory has been wrongly denied.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement to the press, Akwu revealed that his home was invaded by armed men on election day, who assaulted two of his cousins and polling agents. He has since called for justice and protection as he continues to feel unsafe.

Akwu also challenged the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, to clarify his involvement in the alleged attack on his home, urging security agencies to provide him with the protection he needs. However, the Deputy Governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Eke Mba, denied any involvement in the incident. Emetu dismissed the allegations as baseless, accusing Akwu of seeking attention by linking him to the situation.

According to Eke Mba, “PDP is already dead in Abia,” and suggested that Akwu was using the Deputy Governor’s name to draw attention. “How can the Deputy Governor descend so low to such a person?” he remarked, calling the allegations false.

In response, Akwu reiterated his claims and emphasized that an investigation into the matter should be launched. His statement read in part: “On November 2nd, 2024, around 3:25 am, my house was invaded by unidentified men. They beat up my cousins and forced them to reveal my location. Thankfully, I was in the restroom at the time and narrowly escaped.”

Akwu also mentioned that the Deputy Governor, accompanied by the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) candidate Ige Kalu Ige, arrived in Okon Aku Ohafia searching for him. Despite the intimidation, Akwu claimed that the people of Okamu Ward overwhelmingly voted for him, and he was declared the winner by the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC).

Akwu went on to accuse ABSIEC of handing the victory to Ige Kalu Ige, the ZLP candidate, and claimed that the election results did not reflect the wishes of the people. “My life is now in danger,” Akwu said, adding that his right to freedom and safety is being threatened.

While he urged his supporters to remain calm, Akwu called on security agencies to investigate the situation and ensure his safety. “To the people of Okamu Ward, I urge you to keep hope alive; as long as there’s life, there’s hope,” he said.

ABSIEC’s Response

In response to Akwu’s allegations, the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) refuted his claims, asking him to provide evidence to substantiate his victory. Dr. Kelechi Okere, the ABSIEC Commissioner for Information, Publicity, and Voter Education, stated that Akwu should produce official documents such as the result sheet and certificate of declaration if he was indeed the winner.

Okere told the press, “If he was declared the winner, let him provide the result sheet and certificate of declaration. He should have evidence to back up his claims.”

When reminded about a viral video showing the alleged declaration of results for Okamu Ward, Okere stated he was unaware of the video but reiterated that evidence was necessary.

Police Investigation

Regarding the incident at Akwu’s home, the Investigation Police Officer (IPO) handling the case confirmed that four individuals were arrested by another security agency at Akwu’s residence and taken to the Ohafia Police Station. The IPO revealed that the Deputy Governor later visited the station, claiming the arrested individuals were defaming his character on social media.

The IPO further stated that the four individuals were detained briefly and later released on bail. “The individuals said they would go to court, and we have prepared the necessary files. If they want to settle, that’s fine, but if they choose to go to court, we will proceed,” the IPO added.

The investigation into the matter is ongoing, as both sides await further developments.

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