The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) has expressed deep disappointment over the outcome of the local government elections held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, citing widespread irregularities, logistical failures, and incompetence in the conduct of the polls.
State chairman of the party, Ekene Uzodinma, in a statement made available to DAILY GAZETTE after a stakeholders’ meeting, slammed ENSIEC for failing to provide a free and fair election, accusing the electoral body of favoring the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Advertorial
He alleged that the low voter turnout, late arrival or non-arrival of sensitive materials, missing ballot papers, as well as the non-availability of original result sheets in almost all polling units across the state were deliberate attempts to disenfranchise voters and manipulate the process.
“It is disheartening to see that, once again, the process was skewed in favor of the ruling party, the PDP. This manipulation undermines the democratic ideals that we, as a people, believe in and are fighting so hard to achieve. It is a betrayal of the trust that the electorate placed in the system,” Uzodinma stated.
Advertorial
The APGA chairman, who also co-founded The New Enugu Project Initiative (TNEP) and authored the book Challenging the Status Quo, voiced concerns about the impact of the flawed election on the administration of Governor Peter Mbah, warning that it could lead to significant political fallout ahead of the 2027 general election.
Uzodinma emphasized that APGA won elections in several local government areas where its candidates were sidelined by the alleged manipulation.
Advertorial
He listed the following chairmanship and councillorship candidates as winners in their respective local governments and wards:
Chairmanship candidates:
1. Engr Okechukwu Umegbo for Awgu LGA
2. Chief Chukwuemeka Ochi for Udi LGA
3. Mr Ude Kingsley for Aninri LGA
4. Princess Nneka Philips for Enugu South LGA
Councillorship candidates:
1. Hon Eche Kingsley Udochukwu, Asata Ward 1
2. Hon Okonkwo Chiedozie Emmanuel, Ogaku Ward
3. Hon Okoh Chizoba, Awgu Ward 2
4. Hon Anukwu Kingsley Ikenna, Awgu Ward 9
5. Hon Nwaobodo Christian Ekene, Obeagu Ward
6. Hon Ukwu Samson Ebube
7. Hon Okeke Fidelis Ekene, Trans-Ekulu Ward
8. Hon Agu Kingsley Chukwuebuka, Abakpa Ward 1
Uzodinma further stated that APGA would challenge the results in court.
“Our democracy is only as strong as the integrity of our elections, and we must not allow the subversion of the people’s mandate to go unchallenged,” Uzodinma declared.
