By Chikaodi Chukwuleta
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the results of the Anambra South Senatorial bye-election, alleging that the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) used a security outfit known as Agunechemba to aid electoral manipulation.
The APC governorship candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, claimed that the security outfit intimidated voters and snatched ballot boxes, leading to a low voter turnout.
Prince Ukachukwu stated that APC won overwhelmingly in several polling units, but the results were manipulated in favor of APGA citing instances where APC scored high votes in his ward, but the results were altered.
Ukachukwu stated that APGA’s actions revealed fear, despite its claims of popularity, and suggested the party avoided a genuine popularity contest. “They know Anambra is tired of APGA and their government,”
He informed that the APC would challenge the declared result, insisting it did not reflect the people’s will. He expressed confidence in APC’s chances in the Nov. 8 governorship election.
The APC State Chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike, corroborated Ukachukwu’s claims, wondering what motivated Governor Charles Soludo to order the invasion of Ukachukwu’s community during the election.
The APC has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to take note of the alleged manipulation and ensure a fair outcome in future elections.
It would be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Dr. Emmanuel Nwachukwu of the APGA the winner of the August 16th Anambra South Bye-Election with 90,408 votes.
Chief Azuka Okwuosa of the APC polled 19,847 votes, while Mr Donald Amangbo of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) came third with 2,889 votes.
