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Okey Sampson, Aba
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called for the immediate cancellation of the senatorial election in Abia Central and the sack of Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Abia State, as well as the Commissioner of Police (CP).
Addressing newsmen in Aba while voting was still ongoing, the State Publicity Secretary of APC, Comrade Ben Godson, gave reasons why the party was calling for the polls cancellation. He alleged that at about 12:20p.m, the Abia REC was visited by the immediate past governor, Chief T. A Orji, and they discussed for about 30 minutes before he left.
“How can a candidate who is contesting against other candidates and other parties, like APC and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) be having meeting with the REC, who should stay neutral and non partisan on the day of a serious election like this?
“Because of this clandestine meeting, we are calling for the immediate sack of the Abia REC, Dr. Joseph Iloh, and the removal of the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Etim Okon,” he said.
Godson accused both the REC and commissioner of police of being compromised, and said the APC does not have confidence in both men during the election.
He said: “There are other reasons why we want him out. In Abia South Senatorial Zone, in places like Akwaete in Ukwa East Local Government Area (LGA), ballot papers arrived without party logos. Can you imagine that?
“In Obohia community, also in Ukwa east, there were incomplete senatorial materials, in fact, PDP just exhibited their stock in trade.
“In Osisioma LGA, which also falls under Abia central, they colluded with INEC to delay accreditation up till 12:30p.m and 1:00p.p.m, just to frustrate voters, and then do what they really wanted.”
On why the party wants the CP removed, Godson as: “We are also calling for the immediate removal of the CP of the state, because in places like Owaza, in Ukwa West LGA, voters were chased out and intimidated from coming out by the police.
