The Governorship Candidate of the LP in Imo, Sen. Athan Achonu, has rejected the result of Saturday’s election, saying he will seek redress in Court.
Achonu said this on Sunday, while addressing newsmen in his Umulomo country home in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of the state.
He alleged that the election was “marred by irregularities, including vote buying and physical assaults of LP agents, and thus deserving of outright cancellation”.
He further alleged that voting in many locations was done without BVAS accreditation, contrary to the assurances by INEC before the election.
Achonu also alleged compromise on the part of security personnel, adding that “recorded evidences abound, such as that of a police officer who was beaten by voters for attempting to snatch a ballot box”.
He commended LP supporters for their steadfastness in the face of provocation and assured them that they would get justice through the courts.
“Our democracy was raped in the full glare of security personnel, whose salaries we pay from our commonwealth.
“Collation was suddenly moved from the ward to LG centres, and only APC agents were allowed to enter, while agents of other parties were locked out.
“And to you my supporters, thank you for your doggedness and steadfastness, you fought hard and I am proud of you all.
“I have not lost hope in the judiciary, there are so many men of integrity therein, and we shall reclaim our mandate,” Achonu said.
He condemned the assault and detention of the LP Chairman in Imo, Mr Callistus Ihejiagwa, at the state collation centre, and called for the immediate arrest of those who manhandled him.
“My party chairman was beaten up at the collation centre, as it is evident in a widely circulated video.
“And instead of arresting those who beat him, the police arrested and detained him.
“Let’s save the drift into anarchy, let’s save our country and her democracy.
“There was no election yesterday and we call on the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to cancel the purported results,“ Achonu said.
Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have called for an outright cancellation of the Imo State governorship election held on Saturday, November 12.
The Deputy Governorship candidate of the LP, Tony Nwulu, in a press conference on Saturday night, said that the security agents allegedly provided security to the staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the members of the All Progressives Congress to subvert the will of the people of the state.
Nwulu said: “As I speak to you all the electoral materials had been diverted to all the local government Areas secretariats in the state where rewriting of the election results was allegedly ongoing.”
He said that the APC members engaged in vote buying, intimidation of voters, snatching of electoral materials, and the diversion of the poll materials to the homes of individuals and the LGA council headquarters for manipulations.
He said that the LP won in the actual votes cast in the election, saying that “democracy is under threat in this state.”
Nwulu said: “There was no election in Imo state on Saturday. What happened was the diversion of the electoral materials to the homes of the people and the LGA council headquarters. In all this, the police, army, and DSS provided security to the actors.
“They came with huge sums of money to the polling units for votes buying but the Imo people rejected them. They now resorted to snatching of electoral materials, and diversion of the electoral materials to the homes of individuals and to the LGA headquarters where they are currently rewriting the results.
“In all these things, the police, army, and DSS are providing security to the APC members and staff of INEC in these disgraceful acts. We have all the records. We are putting Nigerians on notice that there was no election in Imo state on Saturday.
“The position of our party and my principal, Athan Achonu, who is the governorship candidate of the party in Imo state is that this sham called election to be cancelled, out rightly.”
Addressing journalists in a separate press conference, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Samuel Anyanwu, also called for the cancellation of the election.
He said that INEC and the security agents failed in their constitutional responsibility to deliver credible elections to the people of the state.
He said that instead, the security agents protected INEC staff as the APC members rewrote results.
Anyanwu said that he and his party, the PDP, would not accept anything other than a total cancellation of the poll.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared Senator Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) re-elected.
The INEC chief Returning officer for Imo and Vic Chancellor of Federal University, Uyo, Ekiti State, Prof. Abayomi Fasina who announced the poll Sunday morning, said that the APC candidate scored 540308 votes to emerge victorious.
The PDP candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu polled 71,503 votes to come a distance second.
The Labour Party candidate in the election, Senator Athan Achonu garnered 64,081 votes while APGA’s Tony Ejiogu and AA Jack Ogunewe scored 6392 and 5756 respectively.
The returning officer said by the power conferred on him as the INEC Returning officer “I thereby declare Uzodimma winner of the Imo state governorship election having satisfied the requirement of the law he is hereby declared the winner and he is returned elected.”
See the results below A 1017 AA 5756 AAC 537 ADC 3178 ADP 2947 APC 540308 APGA 6392 APM 328 APP 306 BP 617 LP 64081 NNPP 1062 NRM 344 PDP 71503 PRP 265 SDP 717 YDP 1175 ZLP 805
BREAKING: Uzodimma wins in 27 LGAs as INEC ends Imo guber results collation
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ended the final collation of gubernatorial election results in Imo State, where elections were held on Saturday.
The returning officer for Imo State and vice-chancellor of Federal University Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, Abayomi Fasina announced the end of collation at the INEC’s state collation centre, in Owerri.
He also announced a one-hour break to enable him return and announce the results and declare the winner.
So far, the incumbent governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has won in all the 27 local government areas with a landslide.
The governorship candidate of the PDP, Samuel Anyanwu and that of LP, Senator Athan Achonu, are trailing far behind.
The Nation reports that collation commenced around 4 am Sunday at the state collation centre in Owerri.
Imo guber: INEC announces 30 minutes break
By: Damian Duruiheoma, Owerri
The Retuning Officer for the Imo state governorship election, prof Abayomi Fasina, has anounced a 30-minute break at the state collation centre of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Owerri.
Fasina announced the break after the returning officers for four Local Government Areas were unable to properly present the statistics of the figures in their LGAs.
He asked them to take a 30 minutes off to reconcile the differences in the figures in their LGAs.
From the results announced, the governor of the state, Hope Uzodimma, who is the candidate of All Progressives Congress is leading comfortably.
Earlier, the state agent of the Labour Party, Callistus Ihejiagwa was beaten and thrown out of the state collation centre.
This followed the concerns he raised over the outcome of the election.
Imo guber: Polling unit results
PU Amalato/Umunnekwu II, Okigwe LGA, Imo state APC — 378 PDP — 6 LP — 8
Guber poll: Sorting, counting of votes ongoing in Imo
The sorting and counting of votes in Saturday’s Governorship election in Imo is currently ongoing in most polling units in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent monitoring the poll reports that voting ended in most polling units in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area at about 4.30pm.
At Umunumo Town School 08, Central School Umueze I (010) in Umueze and Central School Umueze II (011) in Umuleke, sorting and counting of votes began by 4.50pm.
NAN further reports that of the 700 registered voters in Central School Ogboama (09), Umuezeala Community in the LGA, only 200 persons were accredited to vote, an indication of voter apathy in the area.
PU – Booth 17, Ukwugba, Umuodu Mbieri, Mbaitoli LGA, Imo State
Registered voters: 954
Accredited voters: 118
APC: 75
LP: 18
PDP: 20
PU – (Mbaitoli-Ezinihitie Mbieri-Umuodu Comm School in Mbaitoli LGA of Imo state)
There was chaos at Umuodu Community Primary School, Ezinihitte Mbieri, in Mbaitoli LGA of the state, the venue of collation for the ongoing governorship election as some politicians made away with electoral officials and result sheets.
Our correspondent, who monitored the situation, observed that trouble started after the INEC officials had called out the scores allocated to each political party at booths 015 and 016 without entering the same in the result sheets.
At booth 016, the INEC official the following results
LP =19
APC = 21
PDP = 16
ADP = 2
AA = 1
Void = 2
However, the officials were told not to enter the results in the results sheets, a development that sparked a fight among the trio of APC, LP, and PDP agents.
While the fight was ongoing, some politicians believed to be members of the ruling APC in the state, whisked the INEC officials and the electoral materials, including results sheets, away to an unknown destination.
LP accuses APC of hijacking electoral materials
The Labour Party in Imo state has accused members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of hijacking the electoral materials meant for four wards in the Ideato North Local Government Area of the state.
The state chairman of the party, Calistus Ihejiagwa, who made the allegations in a statement he issued on Saturday afternoon, said that the security agents were aiding the APC members to hijack and divert the materials.
He said: “Rigging is ongoing now by APC at Akokwa in Ideato North LGA at the house of an indigene of the area.
“They highjacked all the voting materials from the four wards in Arondizuogu clan and are voting with it there.
“They have about 10 Hilux vehicles with police, army, and NSDC. They blocked the roads and are giving APC cover as they rig the election
“Secondly Governor Hope Uzodimma is moving around here in Ideato North LGA with heavy security men. Right now, he is at the INEC office in Urualla inside the council headquarters manipulating INEC people.”
But the spokesperson for the APC in the state, Cajetan Duke, said there was no truth in the allegation.
He insisted that the APC members are conducting them well in the election.
Imo guber: Gunmen attack vote buyers, snatch over N1.5 million
Suspected gunmen on Saturday afternoon invaded polling units at All Saints Anglican Cathedral and attacked vote buyers.
The gunmen, numbering over 10, also snatched over N1.5 million being shared with voters at the four polling units within the cathedral premises.
Our correspondent, who witnessed the development, saw the gunmen shooting consistently before swooping on the three men sharing the money.
While the shooting was ongoing, some policemen attached to the place took to their heels, while INEC officials at the scene, lay down as they suspected ballot snatchers.
Voters, party agents, and observers, including journalists also fled the voting centres.
The hoodlums went straight to the four points where the monies were being shared and snatched away some of the money
One of the party agents, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that each of the polling units in the place was given N1 million amounting to N4 million for the election.
He said: “But we had already shared a considerable amount of money before the boys struck. I only shared about N500,000 before the hoodlums struck.”
I have great hope for our democracy – LP candidate Achonu
The governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Saturday, November 11, election in Imo state, Athan Achonu, has declared that he has great hope for the nation’s democracy.
Achonu spoke after voting in his Umunumo Ward in Ehime Mbano local government area of the state.
He said: “I believe that Mr. President wants to give us free and fair election in Imo State. So, I feel great and have great hope for democracy in Nigeria.”
On the voter apathy, Achonu attributed that to the fear over the unusual movement of security personnel in the area.
Achonu noted: “Several of them have never seen this number of security personnel in their lives before. But we were able to douse the tension and reassured them that the security personnel were in the area for their own protection and the protection of the process. So, they will be coming out.”
On the allegations of diversion of electoral materials, he said: “We already have that information and are still verifying them. We even heard that electoral materials for Orsu LGA were diverted to the house of a particular traditional ruler. But, we want to verify them before we go public.”
PHOTOS: Uzodimma votes at PU
Imo Governor, Hope Uzodimma voting in his polling unit in Omuma in the Oru East Local Government Area of the state.
Imo guber: PDP candidate Anyanwu, alleges shootings in his ward
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Samuel Anyanwu, has alleged that there were shootings at his Amaimo ward in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo state.
He said some persons came to his polling unit 012 Central School, Amaimo, and started shooting.
He, however, said they were apprehended, adding that the voting in his ward was impressive. He expressed optimism of defeating Governor Hope Uzodimma, but let us watch the electoral umpire as the election progresses.
Also, in the same local government, precisely at Eziama Uguri Ike ward 013 Amaechi Hall, voting commenced peacefully.
A chieftain of APC from the community, Prince Charles Amadi (Chevron) was optimistic that Governor Hope Uzodimma would win following the impressive turnout in Ikeduru LGA.
He said that he has advised the PDP candidate, Anyanwu to step down for Governor Uzodimma. “Everywhere is Hope. We have advised the PDP candidate to step down.
He commended the INEC for arriving early with all their materials intact. “INEC is doing very well, materials arrived on time. Our only concern is that the Governor’s opponent wants to cause fracas but we are on top of the situation
At Atta Ward 2, Ikeduru, few voters were seen casting their votes. One of the INEC officials said that voting “is going on well. We don’t have any challenges now.”
The Sole Administrator of the LGA, Chidiebere Nwanabu said he has gone around the council area and observed an impressive turnout. He however confirmed security challenges at Amaimo.
Vote buying allegations trail Imo guber election
Members of the major political parties in the ongoing Imo State governorship election have accused one another of inducing voters with money.
It was observed that members of the All Progressives Congress, Labour Party and the the Peoples Democratic Party were giving money to voters at most polling centres visited across the state.
Some polling units in Mbaitoli, Owerri Municipal, Owerri West and Isiala Mbano local governments areas were given N1 0,000 while each voter got between N3,000 and N5,000.
At the GRA Owerri Municipal Council, unit 007 and 008, some voters were being given N3000.
Also, at Ezinihitte Ward Mbaitoli LGA, units 016 and 015, voters were being given N5,000 each.
Similar development was also witnessed in some booths in Isiala Mbano and Ikeduru LGAs.
Imo Guber 2023: Anyanwu, Achonu cast votes
By Alao Abiodun
Samuel Anyanwu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Athan Achonu of the Labour Party (LP) have voted in their respective polling units.
Anyanwu voted at Amaimo Central School polling unit, Amaimo ward, Ikeduru LGA, Imo state.
He arrived around 10:05 am.
Also, Achonu and his wife voted at PU008, Numo Primary School, Umunomu, Ehime-Mbano LGA.
Achonu expressed satisfaction with the process.
Imo monarch denies hijacking Orlu LG electoral materials
The chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Emmanuel Okeke has denied diverting electoral materials for the Orlu local government area of the state to his palace.
Okeke was reacting to the allegations that he and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) hijacked and diverted electoral materials belonging to seven wards in the area to his palace.
But reacting to the allegation, Okeke said there was nothing of such going on in his palace.
While expressing surprise at the allegations, the monarch invited newsmen to visit his palace to ascertain the true situation.
Also, the Labour Party agents have accused the APC of diverting electoral containers gathered at the Okigwe stadium and moving them to the local government secretariat in Okigwe where no other agent is allowed in except the APC.
However, the spokesperson of the APC in the state, Cajetan Duke, said that he could not ascertain the authenticity of the allegations, but insisted that opposition members rather than concentrate on the election, had been busy making wild allegations.
He added that the party did not have the capacity to be involved in any electoral crime.
PHOTOS: Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator Samuel Anyanwu casting his vote at polling unit 012 at Amaimo Central School in Ikeduru LGA
PHOTOS: LP candidate, Athan Achonu, and his wife cast their votes at PU008, Numo Primary School, Umuchoke Umunomu, Ehime Mbano LGA, Imo state
PHOTOS: INEC officials at Azuzi Ward 2, Emmanuel College, Owerri Municipal with four Polling Units 001 – 004.
PHOTOS: Accreditation and voting in progress at Boot 021, Amimo Youths Hall, Omuma Oru East LGA.
INEC denies withdrawal of passwords for results upload in Imo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied a report alleging that the commission has withdrawn the password for the uploaded election results from the Local Government Supervisors in Imo.
The commission in a “fake news alert” released to journalists by Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, said on Friday midnight described report as untrue.
“The attention of INEC has been drawn to a story attributed to unknown “concerned workers” of the Commission that passwords for result upload have been withdrawn from LGA Supervisors for use by APO1s in Imo State. This is untrue.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Presiding Officers (POs), and not APO1s, are responsible for result upload to the IReV.
“All the passwords have been securely released for use by designated officials in line with the Commission’s procedure.
“The public should expect more of such insinuations before, during and after the elections, and continue to discountance them,” Oyekanmi said.
LP protests as INEC allegedly changes PU officers on Election Day
Agents of the Labour Party at Ikenegbu areas of Owerri Municipal Council in Imo State Girls Polling Unit in the Owerri municipal council protested the alleged swapping of Polling Unit officers already trained on how to make use of the BVAS on Election Day.
This development caused an uproar as the party said it was the INEC‘s plan to rig the election in favour of the APC.
A man who described himself as Madu, one of the potential voters who said he is a member of the Labour Party said that it was surprising that the PU personnel already deployed to the voting centre were changed this morning.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Labour Party’s governorship candidate, Chibuikem Diala, said that INEC was doing the same thing in all parts of the state.
He said that the campaign organization had discovered that the actual PU officers already trained by INEC were dropped at the last minute and people who did not take part in the INEC’s training were deployed to conduct the election.
He said: “The Senator Athan Achonu Media Centre wishes to alert security agents and patriotic INEC staff, especially those sent from outside Owerri for this election, about plans already concluded to compromise the BVAs for use for today’s election by the RATECH team.
“A reliable intel from some LGAs in Owerri Federal Constituency has uncovered plans by the technical team in those LGAs discussing about issuing wrong passwords to some of the ad hoc staff for this election.
“Specifically, this devious plan was being discussed at the Owerri Municipal and Owerri North Local Government Areas where the Head of the RATECH team has concluded plans to issue wrong passwords to PO especially those posted to polling units with large voters. According to the source, the instruction is to ensure that some of the BVAS malfunction at the Polling Units.
“The purpose is to either generate a fake result or frustrate the voting process in specific areas where the riggers do not have a strong presence. This is shameful and devilish.
“All party agents in every booth and ward, as well as voters should hold the ‘RATHEC Team responsible, not the POs, wherever BVA password is wrong because it has been compromised. We also urge all POs to escalate this criminality wherever it is found.
“The agents and indeed all Imo Voters must resist this and insist that the proper thing is done.
“We vehemently condemn this evil plot and call on the INEC Commissioners we have been told were seconded to the state to ensure a free, fair, and smooth exercise to forestall this, as the opposition parties can never accept it.
“We request that the head of the RATECH team in Owerri Federal Constituency and indeed all other LGAs should be cautioned before they discredit a process that is meant to yield positive outcomes.
“We also charge security operatives to ensure that compromised INEC staff do not create a crisis during this electoral exercise.”
The spokesperson of INEC, Emmanuella Opara could not be reached for a reaction.
PHOTOS: Voting begins at Imo State Government House Polling unit 001
PHOTOS: Voting materials arrive Imo PU
Voting materials has arrived at the polling unit in Ikenegbu Layout Primary School, Owerri Municipal council, Imo State.
Security personnel mounted check points on major roads as early as 7:00a.m. in Owerri and environment in enforcement of the restriction on movement.
Subsequently, there were minimal human and vehicular movements on the major roads.
INEC officials arrived at Imo State Govt House booths 001 and 002 at about 9.02am.
At Polling Unit 012, Central School, Amaimo, in Ikeduru Local Government Area of the state, where the PDP candidate, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu will vote, INEC officials and materials had yet to arrive as at 8:45a.m.
There were also no presence of security personnel at the polling unit, but voters were seen around waiting to exercise their franchise.
A voter, Mr Ibe Chika, said he arrived the polling unit as early as 8:00a.m., but was disappointed that no INEC official had arrived.
There is tight security around Okigwe road. Soldiers were seen searching vehicles and interrogating passengers and passersby.
PHOTOS: INEC officials setting up voting Centres at Booth 007 and 008, Adult Education Centre, GRA, Owerri Municipal Council, Imo State.
Businesses boom for traders, transporters as Imo goes for election
Businesses on Friday, November 10, boomed for transporters as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies concluded plans for Saturday, November 11, governorship election in Imo state.
It was an equally similar development as traders in various markets within the state capital made brisk business when residents engaged in last-minute buying.
Our correspondent who monitored development, observed that thousands of bus drivers were engaged by INEC to convey electoral materials and personnel to various Registration Area Centres (RAC) and polling units.
It was also observed that more of that number were hired to convey security operatives to various locations in the state.
At the government house roundabout, thousands of buses were seen getting ready to convey police personnel to various locations.
However, the development affected the cost of transportation in the state on Friday as a few available buses on the road, hiked transport fares.
Passengers were also seen stranded as they made efforts to travel to different communities where they would cast their vote during the election.
For instance, a trip from Owerri to Orlu which hitherto was N1,500 was hiked to N2,000 and N2,500 depending on the type of vehicle.
A commuter, Chidi Uzoho lamented that he had been at the bus stop for over two hours waiting for a vehicle to convey him to Amaku in Isiala Mbano, where he intends to cast his vote tomorrow.
A bus driver, plying Owerri-Okigwe, Jamachi Onwuchekwa told our correspondent that he had to increase the transfer fare because of the pressure on him by passengers.
“Most of our colleagues were hired to do election duty and that left us with very few vehicles, particularly Siena. With that, we are having plenty of passengers on the road with many of them agreeing to stay four per seat instead of the normal three per seat even when the price is doubled. So, it’s not our fault”, he said.
Also, when our correspondent visited Ekeonunwa, Relief and World Bank, Nkwor Orji, and Amakohia markets in Owerri, the state capital, residents were seen making last-minute buying to beat the 12:00 midnight deadline for the restriction of movement ahead of the election tomorrow.
At Ekeonunwa market, a resident who identified herself simply as Mrs. Ijeoma Chikere, said she was at the market to buy food items that would sustain her family on Election Day and the day after.
“As you know, the movement will be restricted tomorrow, the day of the election. And the day after the election is Sunday, a day set aside to worship God. So, it is important that those of us with family should prepare for the long weekend.”
Police ready to provide adequate security in Imo – DIG Mba
The Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Imo State governorship election, Frank Mba, has said the police is ready to provide adequate security for the voters saying the state is not a war zone nor on fire.
Mba made the disclosure while addressing newsmen on the level of preparedness for the Saturday polls on Friday at the command headquarters, Owerri.
According to him, the police and other security agencies will do everything operationally and administratively to provide a level playing ground for all the political parties.
The DIG said: “Whatever the security concerns of the state, they are not unsurmountable because they are clearly things we can surmount. I’m positive that we will deliver.”
Yiaga Africa predicts low voter turnout in Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa governorship elections
By Frank Ikpefan, Abuja
An election observer group, Yiaga Africa, has predicted low voter turnout for the Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi Governorship elections despite a high collection rate of permanent voter cards.
The organisation based the prediction on the “pre-election violence, a deep sense of citizens’ distrust, apparent fear of intimidation, voter fatigue and loss of faith in elections as a means to achieving democratic leadership.”
To avoid the situation, Yiaga Africa advocated for eleventh-hour confidence-building voter education to improve voter turnout.
A member of the Board of Yiaga Africa, Ezenwa Nwagwu stated this during a pre-election press conference on Friday in Abuja.
The organisation would be deploying 659 duly trained and accredited stationary and roving observers to observe the conduct of the governorship election in the three states.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the number of Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) collected in Bayelsa was 1,017,613, in Imo, 2,318,919 and 1,833,160 in Kogi state.
“Despite these high collection rates, Yiaga Africa projects low voter turnout in the respective states owing to the spate of pre-election violence, a deep sense of citizens’ distrust, apparent fear of intimidation, voter fatigue and loss of faith in elections as a means to achieving democratic leadership. Yiaga Africa advocates for eleventh-hour confidence-building voter education to improve voter turnout.”
He said at the end of the polls, Yiaga Africa observers would be deployed to all LGAs and State’s results collation centres to observe and report the results collation process.
Nwagwu said: “This will involve deploying 600 stationary observers to a representative randomly selected sample of 300 polling units for each of these 2 states. In addition to the PRVT methodology, Yiaga Africa will deploy 9 observers in Bayelsa State to observe the process and LGA results collation.
“This deployment will enable Yiaga Africa to provide the most timely and accurate information on the governorship elections in the states. Using the Process and Results Verification for Transparency (PRVT), Yiaga Africa will also provide an independent projection of voter turnout in Imo and Kogi States and will be able to project the vote shares that each party should receive within a narrow-estimated range. If the official results fall within Yiaga Africa’s estimated ranges, then the public, political parties, and candidates should have confidence in the ballots cast at the polling units.
“Only INEC has the legal mandate to announce the election results. As soon as INEC announces the official results, Yiaga Africa will follow up with a result verification press conference to share its statement on the accuracy of the election results. Utilising information communications technology and statistical principles, PRVT is the gold standard for citizen election observation and has been utilised throughout Africa and the world. Yiaga Africa has also deployed this methodology in the 2019 & 2023 Presidential elections and in 14 State Governorship Elections.”
Yiaga Africa also called on INEC to ensure the operational shortcomings in previous elections are properly addressed ahead of the elections, especially the early deployment of election materials to all polling units.
He said: “Collation and Returning Officers deployed in the election should be individuals of proven integrity and impeccable character. INEC should ensure effective oversight to enforce compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and guidelines on results collation.
“INEC should ensure proper and timely communication with stakeholders on the election day process, challenges experienced and immediate plans to address those challenges to inspire citizens’ confidence in the process.”
Massive vote-buying was recorded in yesterday’s governorship election in Imo State, The Nation reports.
There were reports of politicians and political party agents trying to induce voters with cash and other gifts in Owerri Municipal, Owerri West, Mbaitoli, Owerri North, Isiala Mbano, Ideato North, among other local government areas in the state.
The development came to a head when armed hoodlums invaded the polling units at All Saints Anglican Cathedral, Egbu, Owerri North Local Government Area, and attacked party agents who were sharing money to buy votes.
The gunmen, numbering over 10, also snatched over N1.5 million being given to voters at the four polling units within the cathedral premises.
Our correspondent, who witnessed the development, saw the gunmen shooting consistently before swooping on the men sharing the money.
While the shooting was ongoing, some security personnel attached to the place took to their heels, while INEC officials at the scene, lay down.
Voters, party agents and observers, including journalists also fled the voting centres.
The hoodlums went straight to the four points where the monies were being shared and snatched them away.
One of the party agents, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that each of the polling units in the place was given N1 million amounting to N4 million for the election.
“But we had already shared a considerable amount of money before the boys struck. I only shared about N500,000 before the hoodlums struck”, he said.
The election also witnessed unimpressive voter turnout in most polling units, with only a few places where the participating major candidates hail from witnessing more voters exercising their franchise.
Though the election was generally peaceful contrary to the ugly expectations of pre-election pundits that the election would turn out to be a bloody one, there were reported cases of ballot snatching, diversion of electoral materials and officials and other forms of violence.
The Nation gathered that the low turnout of voters across the state was mainly due to the purported sit-at-home order issued by the leader of Biafra in Exile, Simon Ekpa.
However, vigilant security operatives successfully averted one of the attempts by political thugs to abduct INEC officials and seize crucial election materials.
The incident took place at a Registration Area Center in Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government Area in Imo State.
Amaimo is where the PDP governorship candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu hails from.
Reports indicated that the thugs, armed and ready to pounce, sought to forcibly take INEC officials into their waiting vehicle.
But, swift and decisive action by security personnel stationed at the center thwarted the brazen attempt.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the armed security operatives fired warning shots into the air upon receiving an alarm from vigilant voters who detected the presence of the thugs.
The swift response compelled the assailants to retreat hastily into their getaway vehicle and fled.
An anonymous Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) operative at the scene said, “The thugs were coming to hijack the INEC officials and election materials.
“But luck ran out on them when some people started shouting during a stampede.
“It was their shouting that alerted the armed security personnel, who quickly shot into the air, forcing the thugs to take to their heels”.
Earlier in the day, the INEC officials arrived at some of the polling booths on time while in some areas, they arrived a bit late.
Security personnel mounted check points on major roads as early as 7:00a.m in Owerri, the state capital and its environs in enforcement of the restriction on movement.
Subsequently, there were minimal human and vehicular movements on the major roads.
INEC officials began arriving at their polling units as early as 8am. The officials arrived at the Govt House booths 001 and 002 at 9.02am.
Uzodimma commends exercise
The state governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Hope Uzodimma who voted at his Omuma ward, commended the exercise while observing that voters at the queue appeared to be very enthusiastic.
“If you see the kind of joy they expressed and the conduct has been very cordial and there is no interference. I have not seen anything that is suggestive of any likelihood of disorganization.
“It is an impressive outing too that people have come out to vote. I am not surprised because this is my home.
“I want to commend the INEC and security agencies for the kind of professionalism so displayed and how orderly the environment has become contrary to the ugly expectation that voting would not take place.
“It is not over yet. I just came to vote. It is very impressive and my happiness is that people came out to exercise their franchise.”
On the security situation, he commended the security agencies and thanked the people for behaving themselves during the election.
“I have not heard of any knockout. That shows Imo State is good to go. I want the whole world to see that Imo State is the destination and there is peace here and the election, contrary to ugly expectations, is going on free, fair and very credible and you can see how freely I have come here to cast my vote and INEC was able to process it in a few minutes.
“So I think that this is evidence for all of us to know that the good minds of Imo State are people who are committed to the interest of our state. They are really desirous of having Imo State blossom but those who are in the name of politics, sponsoring and financing mischief, banditry and all other forms of criminality must repent of their sins.”
On who would win the election, he said “Only God will know the outcome.”
At his Umunumo Ward in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of the state, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Senator Athan Achonu declared that he had great hope for the nation’s democracy.
He said: I believe that Mr. President wants to give us free and fair elections in Imo State. So, I feel great and have great hope for democracy in Nigeria.”
On the voter apathy, Achonu attributed it to the fear over the unusual movement of security personnel in the area.
“Several of them have never seen this number of security personnel in their lives before.
“But we were able to douse the tension and reassured them that the security personnel were in the area for their own protection and the protection of the process. So, they will be coming out.”
On the allegations of diversion of electoral materials, he said, “we already have that information and are still verifying them. We even heard that electoral materials for Orsu LGA were diverted to the house of a particular traditional ruler. But, we want to verify them before we go public.”
At polling 012 Central School, Amaimo in Ikeduru LGA of the state where the PDP governorship candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu voted at about 10.37 am, voters turnout was impressive.
Speaking after casting his vote, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Samuel Anyanwu alleged that there were shootings at his Amaimo ward in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.
He said some persons came to his polling unit 012 Central School, Amaimo and started shooting.
He, however, said they were apprehended, adding that the voting in his ward was impressive.
He expressed optimism about defeating Governor Hope Uzodimma, maintaining that it would depend on the neutrality of the electoral umpire as the election progressed.
Also, in the same local government, precisely at Eziama Uguri Ike Ward 013 Amaechi Hall, voting commenced peacefully.
A chieftain of APC from the community, Prince Charles Amadi was optimistic that Governor Hope Uzodimma would win following the impressive turnout in Ikeduru LGA.
He said that he had advised the PDP candidate, Anyanwu to step down for Governor Uzodimma. “Everywhere is Hope. We have advised the PDP candidate to step down.
He commended the INEC for arriving early with all their materials intact. “INEC is doing very well, materials arrived on time. Our only concern is that the governor’s opponent wants to cause fracas but we are on top of the situation.
LP accuses APC of hijacking electoral materials
The Labour Party in the state accused members of the ruling APC in the state of hijacking the electoral materials meant for four wards in Ideato North Local Government Area.
The state chairman of the party, Barr. Calistus Ihejiagwa, who made the allegations in a statement he issued yesterday afternoon, said that the security agents were aiding the APC members to hijack and divert the materials.
He said “Rigging is ongoing now by APC at Akokwa in Ideato North LGA at the house of an indigene of the area.
“They hijacked all the voting materials from the four wards in Arondizuogu clan and are voting with it there.
“They have about 10 Hilux vehicles with police, army and NSDC. They blocked the roads and are giving APC cover as they rig the election
“Secondly, Governor Hope Uzodimma is moving around here in Ideato North LGA with heavy security men. Right now he is at the INEC office in Uruala inside the council headquarters manipulating INEC people.”
But the spokesperson for the APC in the state, Cajetan Duke, said that there was no truth in the allegation.
He insisted that the APC members are conducting themselves well in the election.
Voting disrupted in Mgbidi
Voting was disrupted at Uzuna Umu Ward 1 ,booth 008 at Mgbidi in Oru West Local Government Area of the state as a result of quarrel between APC and PDP supporters.
A chieftain of the PDP, Joseph Ikpubundu from the area alleged the fight started when supporters of PDP opposed alleged vote buying by APC.
He alleged each voter was given N2,000 before casting their votes.
Also, the governorship candidate of Young Progressives Party (YPP) Dr. Kemdi Opara described voter apathy as terrible. He said no amount of vote buying would stop him from winning the election. He said “If Governor Uzodimma wins, know that he rigged the election.
Army, Policemen disarm NSCDC) officials
At Umunyoche Obinuche, Nkwere LGA, an officer of Nigeria Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC) who gave his name Policarp said some army officers and police personnel came to the polling booth to disarm the civil defence officers posted to the area and carted away their rifle and magazine.
Confirming the incident, a chieftain of PDP, Evangelist Mike Ikoku, said that the security personnel came looking for him.
“They arrived at the booth led by the dreaded Tiger Base officer named Kill and Bury, disarmed the civil defence officers and took away their magazines and phones.
I called Abuja, INEC and other people to report this ugly incident. When the heat probably was on them, they returned to apologise.”
Tony Anyehie, SA to the governor on Mass Transit, commended INEC officials for a work well done. “I am happy this is going to be most peaceful election in the country,” he said.
Police deny alleged shooting of PDP deputy governorship candidate
The Imo State Police Command yesterday denied that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate was allegedly shot by some hoodlums at his country home in Nkwerre Local Government Area of the state.
A report on Twitter now X alleged that Hon. Onyereri was shot by some thugs who besieged his home.
However, police spokesman in the state, Henry Okoye denied such an incident.
He said: “there is no incident like this, pls.”
But the PDP insisted that Onyereri was shot by some hoodlums who were hired by some leaders in Nkwerre LGA to carry out the act.
It was gathered that some armed thugs stormed his home between 3pm and 4pm yesterday.
Confirming the incident, the Director, Media and Publicity, Imo PDP(Sam-Jones) Governorship Campaign Organisation, Ikenna Onuoha said the incident happened between 3pm and 4pm. “He was allegedly shot by thugs who besieged his home and shot sporadically, making people scamper for safety before they shot at the deputy governorship candidate of the party.
According to him, some leaders from Nkwerre engaged the hoodlums. “He was allegedly shot but we are still investigating what transpired.
When asked if the deputy governorship candidate sustained any injury, he asked “have you seen who was shot that did not sustain injury.”
The sorting and counting of votes in Saturday’s Governorship election in Imo is currently ongoing in most polling units in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent monitoring the poll reports that voting ended in most polling units in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area at about 4.30pm.
At Umunumo Town School 08, Central School Umueze I (010) in Umueze and Central School Umueze II (011) in Umuleke, sorting and counting of votes began by 4.50pm.
NAN further reports that of the 700 registered voters in Central School Ogboama (09), Umuezeala Community in the LGA, only 200 persons were accredited to vote, an indication of voter apathy in the area.
Connected Development (CODE) has shed light on significant development raised by its observers during the ongoing off-cycle elections in Bayelsa and Imo states.
CODE is using its election intelligence tool – UZABE, to monitor the elections in the three states through thousands of its volunteer observers.
The head of deployment at CODE’s situation room in Lokoja, Emmanuel Njoku acknowledged the positive efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security operatives, and the people in ensuring a commitment to a free and fair electoral process.
However, concerns were raised about impediments faced by observers, including instances where they were restricted from taking pictures.
Njoku also said there was delayed voting in specific locations due to the absence of party agents, and incidents of vote buying were highlighted.
He listed areas in which Uzabe observers have identified some concerns that demand attention.
He said: “In Ajaokuta LGA, at 2nd 200 Community Open space borehole PU 043, Kogi state, our observers were impeded from taking pictures by security personnel, infringing upon observers’ freedom during the process.
“Bayelsa witnessed delayed voting in Kanabiri comp Ward of Sagbama LGA due to the absence of party agents, and late arrival of INEC officials at Yenogoa-Fankpo Square Ward.
“An incident in Ekeremor LGA (Azidekeoreyeine Square Ward), involved an individual attempting to abscond with INEC materials, but citizens resolved the situation without injuries. This stands as a testament to the collective power of the masses.
“At Eke-mbutu Market Square Ward of Mbaitoli LGA, Imo state, the BVAS machine malfunctioned and displayed the Chinese language, causing a delay that was much later rectified.
“While we cannot conclusively speak to voter turnout at this time, Low voter turnout has been reported in some parts of these states. Like we observed at Owerri North at Okwu Uratta Primary School Ward.
“Disturbingly, in Bayelsa, Market Square Ogia Town Ward of Ogbia LGA, verified reports of vote buying have surfaced, with amounts going as high as N20,000. This was also observed at Ama-Ukwu Umuawaka Square Ward, of Njaba LGA, Imo state where votes were traded for as low as one thousand naira. This practice is disturbing and must be halted.”
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the CODE, Hamzat Lawal, called on all stakeholders, including security personnel and INEC officials, to ensure the peaceful ongoing electoral process.
He also urged INEC to prioritise the electronic transmission of polling unit results, emphasizing transparency and timely collation.
While the shooting was ongoing, some policemen attached to the place took to their heels, while INEC officials at the scene, lay down as they suspected ballot snatchers.
Voters, party agents, and observers, including journalists also fled the voting centres.
The hoodlums went straight to the four points where the monies were being shared and snatched away some of the money
One of the party agents, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that each of the polling units in the place was given N1 million amounting to N4 million for the election.
He said: “But we had already shared a considerable amount of money before the boys struck. I only shared about N500,000 before the hoodlums struck.”
Members of the major political parties in the ongoing Imo State governorship election have accused one another of inducing voters with money.
It was observed that members of the All Progressives Congress, Labour Party and the the Peoples Democratic Party were giving money to voters at most polling centres visited across the state.
Some polling units in Mbaitoli, Owerri Municipal, Owerri West and Isiala Mbano local governments areas were given N10,000 while each voter got between N3,000 and N5,000.
The chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Emmanuel Okeke has denied diverting electoral materials for the Orlu local government area of the state to his palace.
Okeke was reacting to the allegations that he and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) hijacked and diverted electoral materials belonging to seven wards in the area to his palace.
But reacting to the allegation, Okeke said there was nothing of such going on in his palace.
While expressing surprise at the allegations, the monarch invited newsmen to visit his palace to ascertain the true situation.
Also, the Labour Party agents have accused the APC of diverting electoral containers gathered at the Okigwe stadium and moving them to the local government secretariat in Okigwe where no other agent is allowed in except the APC.
However, the spokesperson of the APC in the state, Cajetan Duke, said that he could not ascertain the authenticity of the allegations, but insisted that opposition members rather than concentrate on the election, had been busy making wild allegations.
He added that the party did not have the capacity to be involved in any electoral crime.
The Saturday’s governorship election in Imo took off in some parts of the state on a shaky note with low voter turnout and absence of election officials and materials at some polling units (PUs) visited.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) covering the poll reports that in some PUs, some voters were seen, along with security personnel, waiting for INEC officials and materials at at 8:30am.
At PU 001 Ekeama Primary School, Awaka I, near Owerri, some voters and security personnel were present, while electoral official and materials were being awaited.
A voter, Mrs Hilda Nnadi, said that she was confident that the materials would soon be brought to the unit.
“I believe materials will soon arrive and we’ll vote. I’ll be patient,” Nnadi said.
The same situation also prevailed at PU 002 Ekeama Primary School, Awaka II, and PU 003 Community Primary School, Amapu Awaka.
A voter, Mr Fidelis Nwokedi, also expressed confidence in the process.
“It’s an off cycle election and I believe that INEC has all it takes to make it successful.
“I’m hopeful that they will soon be here,“ he said.
The situation at PU 004 Community Primary School, Amapu Awaka II, and PU 016 Emeohe Village Hall, was largely different with low voter turnout, absence of security personnel, INEC officials and materials.
A visibly diaappointed voter, Miss Amaka Okpara, said: “Only very few of us are here and there is no security, not even one police officer.
“I will soon leave go back to my house, if they don’t come.”
A similar situation was recorded PU 007 Community Primary School, Ihita-Ogada II, PU 008 Ihita-Ogada Village Square and PU 011 Health Centre, Ubah Emii I, where some voters and security personnel were seen waiting for INEC officials and materials.
The same situation was also observed at PU 013 Eziala Village Square, where the voters, who came out in their numbers, were also seen with security personnel waiting for INEC Officials and materials.
At P 012, Central School, Amaimo, in Ikeduru LGA, which is the PDP candidate, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu’s Polling Unit, INEC officials and materials had yet to arrive as at 8:45a.m.
There was also no security personnel at the PU but voters were seen around waiting to exercise their franchise.
A voter, Mr Ibe Chika, said he arrived at the polling unit as early as 8:00a.m. but was disappointed that no INEC official had arrived.
