Allegations of rigging and disenfranchisement mar NDC and PDP primaries in Abia State

The primary elections of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) held in parts of Abia State on Friday were marred by allegations of rigging, voter disenfranchisement, and diversion of election materials.

The reported irregularities occurred in Bende, Aba South, and Ohafia local government areas, leaving NDC party members, aspirants, and INEC officials in confusion.

At the Uzuakoli Civic Hall, the venue for the Bende exercise, aspirants for various positions were reportedly left stranded after the Returning Officer allegedly abandoned the process, entered a vehicle belonging to one of the aspirants, and drove away.

The entrance gate to the civic hall was also said to have been locked, preventing a large number of voters from accessing the venue.

A State House of Assembly aspirant for Bende South Constituency, Ikpechukwu Emeka Loveday, alleged that two Returning Officers who collected election materials from the NDC state office in Umuahia disappeared with the materials.

According to him, the issue went beyond personal ambition and amounted to the disenfranchisement of thousands of Bende residents who turned out to participate in the exercise.

In Aba North, Aba South, and Aba Central, the primaries were also reportedly affected by allegations of attempted imposition of candidates, use of thugs, and attempts to hijack election materials.

However, the exercise was said to have proceeded peacefully in Osisioma Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, John Okiyi Kalu, accused the state PDP leadership of failing to conduct a credible primary election.

Okiyi, who lost the PDP governorship ticket to Kelechi Anosike, claimed he was betrayed by the party despite his loyalty and sacrifices.

Responding to the allegation, the Abia State PDP Chairman, Abraham Amah, stated that John Okiyi Kalu failed to officially inform key party officers about his governorship ambition.