INEC reschedules election to 25th April in Ekwusigo

Following the violence that marred House of Assembly elections in some part of Anambra State yesterday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shifted election in Ekwusigo Local Government Area in the state to 25th April, 2015.

In a statement yesterday in Awka, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Edwin Nwatalari, said some elements invaded the Local Government to disrupt the electoral process in the morning of election.

However, he appealed to the stakeholders in the state in every political party that the commission was ready to conduct a free, fair and credible election for them anytime any day.

Meanwhile, Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, threatened yesterday to arrest oil magnet, Chief Ifeanyi Ubah, for allegedly snatching ballot boxes and result sheets in Ekwusigo Council Area.

Ubah was alleged to have performed the act with Sir Emeka Offor for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to deliver their candidates.

Apart from the incident at Ekwusigo, elections were peaceful in Anambra State but were marred by apathy in the entire state.

Also Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke, was alleged to have hijacked all the electoral materials in his Enugwu Ukwu area in Njikoka Local Government Area.

Though he refused to speak with reporters yesterday, his Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Stella Igboka, denied the allegation.

Accreditation started as early as 8am in most of the centres, especially at Aguleri, Nsugbe, Onitsha and Oyi areas, while it was same in Idemili North/South.

Obiano however lamented the attitude of PDP chieftains in the state, adding that he had got in touch with security operatives and INEC for further actions.

Former governorship candidate of PDP in the state, Comrade Tony Nwoye said their area in Nsugbe had always been peaceful but regretted the low turnout of voters.

For the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, his party would not loose election to any other party.

Former Governor of Anambra State and leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state, Sen. Chris Ngige, yesterday, expressed disappointment over the continued failure of card readers as well as voter apathy in the on-going Anambra State House of Assembly election.

Ngige, who made this statement at Nkwo-Ide polling unit, in his Alor Ward 1 country-home, while getting accreditation to vote, said he suspected that some political manipulators that manipulated the election results on March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections, might have gone back to work to manipulate yesterday’s exercise.