- “…Abia APC, APGA Blow Hot, Tells REC “Change the Returning, Collation Officers Now Or…”
In what appears to be an attempt to compromise the upcoming election in Abia State, the leading opposition political parties in the state APC and APGA have alleged that the ruling party, PDP has perfected plans to scuttle the people’s mandate.
In chat with ABN TV on Friday, a chieftain of APC in the state, Chief Emeka Anozie alleged that 90 percent of people who came out for training as Returning and Collation Officers are card-carrying members of PDP.
“They brought lecturers from Abia State University who are known card-carrying PDP members. 90 percent of them, so how do you expect the process to be fair?” he queried.
Chief Anozie threatened that his party, the APC will take to the streets on Friday if by 3pm the Abia state Resident Electoral Commissioner does not reverse the appointment of the suspected partisan Returning and Collation Officers. “If they don’t change those names, we will protest and demand the postponement of the election” he added.
Also speaking, a chieftain of APGA, Dr. Chris Ezeocha alleged that the PDP wants to perpetuate themselves in power through the back door. “The PDP is doing what they are known for. We will resist this attempt to remain in power through dubious means. The Chairman of INEC, Yakubu Mahmoud must quickly swing into action and mandate the Abia REC to change that list immediately.
“If this is not done, with the anger in the minds of our people, I’m afraid of what the outcome may be. What we saw during the training is surprising. Almost all the people to officiate in the elections are PDP members.
“I’m afraid there may not be election in the state. That’s the situation of things” he insisted.
All efforts by ABN TV to reach the Abia state chairman of APC, Hon. Donatus Nwankpa proved abortive as several phone calls placed to him were not answered.
Also, attempts to reach the Publicity Secretary of APGA in the state for a comment were unsuccessful.
