Although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Imo State is yet to announce the results of Saturday’s gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections in the state, foremost Master Mariner and candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho has called for the total cancellation of the results.
He alleged widespread irregularities, intimidation of voters, and violence on its supporters as some reasons for the call.
Speaking in a chat with journalists at his residence in Owerri, Ihenacho who is a former Minster of Interior and former Vice Chairman, Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA), said on Sunday that the “entire excise was an absolute sham”.
“The election was characterised by widespread irregularities, ballot box snatching, card readers and result sheets were also carted away.
“We are calling for a total cancellation because there was no election in Imo State,” he said.
He said the party’s supporters were intimidated by men in police and military uniforms.
He said police and soldiers prevented the party’s agents from gaining access to the collation centres and when they complained they were beaten and their phones seized.
“Some of our agent were abducted from polling units and as I speak to you now, we don’t know the whereabouts of some of them,” he said.
Ihenacho accused the state’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of conveying bands of thugs in minibuses to snatch ballot boxes and perpetrate mayhem at polling units. He said APGA was particularly targeted in these attacks.
“INEC should review these reports and take a decision to cancel the election. If we sustain this election we will be doing Nigeria’s image and reputation a lot of harm,” he said.
The Master Mariner said even if INEC announced him as winner of the election he would still insist that the result be cancelled and election rescheduled.
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