FOLLOWING yesterday’s cancellation of elections in five local government areas of Rivers State over allegations of widespread irregularities, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has been accused of double standards as similar scenario which played out during the March 5 rerun in Abia North was treated differently.
This is the view of a concerned Nigerian, Izuma Ibe.
Ibe who queried the rationale behind INEC’s motive to reverse its decision after the returning officer had declared the Abia North rerun inconclusive following the irregularities that trailed the exercise said the cancellations in five local government areas in Rivers State vindicated PPA and the people of Abia North claim that Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu was shortchanged.
“It can still be recalled vividly that the senatorial election in Abia North senatorial district was cancelled and a fresh election called for the district which was held on the 5th of March.
“It was observed that there was a twist in the events of that said election as INEC returning officer had declared the election inconclusive due to wide spread irregularities in some local governments in the district but later there was a turn around of events when the result was later announced in favour of the candidate of the PDP.
“Defending the result, the Head of Education and Publicity of INEC, Mr. Edwin Enabor said in a rerun election, a winner must emerge by a simple majority. This is for an election which was characterized by ballot snatching and shooting, maiming and intimidation of voters.
“Today, INEC has cancelled elections in five LGAs in Rivers State in a rerun election which was still cancelled by the court of appeal. How can this be reconciled and how does this vindicate the decision of INEC in the case of Abia North. Must the case of Abia North be different because it involves Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu? Let all stand up for justice because it could be anyone tomorrow,” Ibe declared.