Abia PDP House of Reps Candidate vows to reclaim mandate in court

By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom

 Prof. Anthony Agbazuere, the PDP Candidate for the House of Representatives for Isiala Ngwa North/South Federal Constituency, has vowed to reclaim his “stolen mandate” in court.

Agbazuere made this known when he apoke on the National Assembly (NASS) polls at a news briefing in Umuahia on Tuesday.

He alleged that the election was marred by several acts of electoral malpractices and irregularities.

According to him, INEC ought to cancel the elections in line with the provisions of Section 65 of the Electoral Act (2022).

Agbazuere further disclosed that he filed a petition to the commission on February 26, concerning the conduct of the election.

He, however, said that he had yet to receive any response from the commission.

“I am constrained to place on record that the elections were manifestly characterised by compromises on the part of INEC and others.

“There were cases of BVAS snatching, disenfranchisement of a  majority of the voters, mutilation of result sheets, cases of over-voting, intimidation, threat of violence and violence.

“INEC could not timeously distribute election materials and materials arrived at some polling units at about 2pm.

“INEC adhoc staff said they wanted to leave early, so they left by 4pm thereby disenfranchising many people who were present and could not vote when accreditation was supposed to have started by 8:30am.

“Check the number of registered voters, juxtapose it with the number of votes cast, you will discover that no election took place in the area,” Agbazuere said.

He urged the security agencies to expedite action in addressing the issue of malicious and unwarranted attacks unleashed by the opposition members on PDP candidates and members.

He called on PDP members to support the party’s Governorship Candidate, Chief Okey Ahiwe, and other PDP candidates to emerge victorious at the polls.

Agbazuere thanked his constituents for their support  and  urged them to vote massively for PDP candidates in the elections

“I am calling on my numerous supporters and well-wishers to remain resolute.

“I am not a desperate person and desperation is not in my blood.

“But if it pleased God, we shall recover our stolen mandate,” Agbazuere said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Chief Ginger Onwusibe of the Labour Party scored 20,411 votes to defeat Agbazuere, who polled 13,508 votes.

(NAN)