Rigging, disenfranchisement allegations rock NDC, PDP primaries in Abia

The primary elections of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in some parts of Abia State on Friday, witnessed allegations of rigging, disenfranchisement and diversion of election materials.

The alleged irregularities took place in Bende local government area, Aba South and Ohafia, where party members, INEC officials and aspirants were left in confusion.

At Uzuakoli civic hall, venue for Bende, aspirants for various offices were left in frustration as the Returning Officer was alleged to have abandoned the aspirants and jumped into the car of an aspirant and zoomed off.

The gate to the Uzuakoli civic hall was also locked to prevent a crowd of voters from gaining entrance into the hall.

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

“It is not about me; it is about the systemic disenfranchisement of thousands of Bende people who came out to choose their preferred candidates in the elections,” he said.

In Aba North, Aba South and Aba Central, the exercise witnessed allegations of attempted imposition of candidates, use of thugs and also attempted hijack of materials.

However, the NDC primary was smooth in Osisioma local government area of the State.

Similarly, the governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Abia State, John Okiyi Kalu, has accused the leadership of the State PDP of not conducting a credible election.

Okiyi, who lost to Kelechi Anosike in the Abia PDP gubar primaries, said he was betrayed by the party despite his sacrifices for PDP.

But in response, the Chairman of the PDP in Abia State, Abraham Amah said that John Okiyi Kalu did not inform the key officers of the PDP that he was running for Governor.