Rigging, disenfranchisement allegations rock NDC, PDP primaries in Abia

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) held primary elections in several parts of Abia State on Friday, amid reports of rigging, disenfranchisement, and the diversion of election materials.

Alleged irregularities were reported in Bende local government area, Aba South, and Ohafia, leaving party members, INEC officials, and aspirants confused.

At the Uzuakoli civic hall, the venue for Bende, aspirants for various offices expressed frustration after the Returning Officer allegedly abandoned the candidates and then boarded an aspirant’s car, driving away. The hall’s gate was also locked, preventing a crowd of voters from entering.

Bende South State House of Assembly aspirant Ikpechukwu Emeka Loveday claimed that two Returning Officers who had collected election materials from the NDC State office 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 primaries were marked by allegations of attempted candidate imposition, the use of thugs, and attempts to hijack materials.

Conversely, the NDC primary in Osisioma local government area proceeded without incident.

Meanwhile, John Okiyi Kalu, the governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, accused the party’s state leadership of failing to conduct a credible election. Kalu, who lost to Kelechi Anosike in the Abia PDP gubar primaries, said he was betrayed by the party despite his sacrifices for the PDP.

In response, PDP Abia State Chairman Abraham Amah said that John Okiyi Kalu had not informed the party’s key officers that he was running for governor.