The Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised serious concerns regarding an alleged plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of Governor Hope Uzodinma to manipulate the forthcoming Local Government Area (LGA) elections, scheduled for September 21.
The PDP claims that Uzodinma’s government is preparing to submit falsified lists and pre-written results to the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC), in what it describes as a blatant subversion of the democratic process.
According to a statement released by the PDP’s State Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiaku, the party has obtained credible information suggesting that Uzodinma, notorious for his history of electoral malpractice, has compiled lists of loyalists to be imposed as candidates across the 27 LGAs.
Obiaku further alleged that these lists include individuals who are unqualified to hold office as Vice Chairmen and Councillors.
It is purported that these appointees have agreed to return LGA allocations to Uzodinma once installed, facilitating the continued embezzlement and misappropriation of Imo State’s resources.
The PDP’s allegations extend beyond the mere rigging of candidate lists.
The party accuses Uzodinma of colluding with ISIEC Chairman Charles Ejiogu and other senior ISIEC officials to ensure that these doctored lists are accepted and announced as legitimate results after the elections.
Obiaku emphasised that this collusion represents a severe breach of both the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), which mandate transparent and fair electoral processes.
“Governor Uzodinma is fully aware that the people of Imo State do not trust the APC to deliver genuine dividends of democracy,” Obiaku’s statement asserted.
“He is resorting to falsifying results, hijacking electoral materials, intimidating and harassing voters, violating citizens’ rights, engaging in vote-buying, and criminally inducing electoral officers to impose his loyalists on our local governments.”
This development has sparked fears of potential political instability in Imo State, with the PDP warning of the dire consequences of such undemocratic actions.
The party has called on the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the State Security Service, other relevant security agencies, and Civil Society Organisations to urgently investigate these allegations.
The PDP urged these bodies to ensure that Governor Uzodinma and ISIEC Chairman Ejiogu do not plunge Imo State into another round of political turmoil, from which they claim Uzodinma has previously benefitted.
In response to the allegations, ISIEC Chairman Charles Ejiogu issued a statement denying any knowledge of the supposed doctored lists.
Ejiogu labelled the claims as false, asserting that the Commission has not received any candidate lists and remains committed to conducting a free and fair election.
Despite these denials, the PDP maintains that insider information confirms ISIEC’s acceptance of the falsified lists, accusing the electoral body of complicity in the planned electoral malpractices.
The PDP’s concerns highlight broader issues surrounding electoral integrity in Nigeria, where accusations of vote rigging, electoral violence, and the manipulation of election results have plagued the democratic process for years.
The party reiterated its commitment to pursuing all available legal avenues to challenge any illegal actions and safeguard the integrity of the upcoming LGA elections.
Obiaku called on the PDP’s candidates and supporters to remain vigilant, calm, and law-abiding in the face of these challenges.
He reassured them that the party is actively working to counteract what he described as a plot to deny the PDP’s rightful victory in the elections.
“We will not allow the evil intentions of those in power to trample upon the will of the people,” Obiaku declared, emphasising the PDP’s resolve to fight against any attempt to subvert the democratic process in Imo State.
As the election date approaches, all eyes are on ISIEC to uphold its responsibility as an independent and impartial electoral body, ensuring that the elections reflect the true will of the people of Imo State.
The PDP’s call for transparency and adherence to electoral laws is a reminder of the critical role that credible elections play in sustaining democracy and fostering public trust in governance.
The unfolding situation will undoubtedly be a litmus test for Nigeria’s electoral integrity and the strength of its democratic institutions.
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