The governorship candidate of the Labor Party (LP) in Imo, Athan Achonuhas rejected the result of Saturday’s elections and has stated that it will seek redress in court.
Achonu said this on Sunday while addressing newsmen at his country house in Umulomo, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of the state.
He alleged that the elections were “marred by irregularities, including vote buying and physical attacks on LP agents, and therefore deserved a complete cancellation.”
He further alleged that voting in many places was carried out without BVAS accreditation, contrary to INEC’s assurances before the elections.
Achonu, a former senator, also alleged compromise on the part of security personnel, adding that “recorded evidence abounds, such as that of a police officer who was beaten by voters for trying to steal a ballot box.”
He praised PL supporters for their firmness in the face of provocation and assured them that they would get justice through the courts.
“Our democracy was violated before the eyes of security personnel; whose salaries we pay from our community.
“Suddenly, the collection was moved from the hall to the LG centres, and only APC agents were allowed entry, while agents of other parties were locked out.
READ ALSO: UPDATED: #ImoDecides2023: It’s official: INEC declares Uzodinma the winner
“And to you, my followers, thank you for your tenacity and steadfastness, you fought hard and I am proud of all of you.
“I have not lost hope in the judiciary, there are many men of integrity there and we will regain our mandate,” Achonu said.
He condemned the assault and detention of the LP Imo Chairman, Callistus Ihejiagwa, at the state collection centre, and called for the immediate arrest of those who mistreated him.
“The president of my party was beaten at the collection center, as can be seen from a video that has been widely circulated.
“And instead of arresting those who beat him, the police arrested him and detained him.
“Let’s save the drift towards anarchy, let’s save our country and its democracy.
“There was no election yesterday and we call on the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to cancel the alleged results,” Achonu said.
Professor Abayomi Sunday, INEC Returning Officer in Imo State, earlier declared Governor Hope Uzodinma of the APC the winner of the election.
Uzodinma polled 540,308 votes to defeat the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Samuel Anyanwu, who polled 71,503 votes, and the Labor Party (LP) candidate, Mr. Achonu, who came third with 64,081 votes.
(YAYA)
