No election held in Idemili North/South Reps Primary, Ikokwu tells NDC appeal panel

….Demands probe of candidates, officials over alleged disruption

AWKA — An aspirant for the Idemili North/Idemili South Federal Constituency seat on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, has petitioned the party’s Election Appeal Panel, insisting that no valid primary election took place in the constituency on May 29.

Ikokwu, popularly known as Ugonecheora, urged the panel not to declare any candidate winner of the exercise, describing the process as chaotic, inconclusive and incapable of producing a credible outcome.

In her petition, she called for an immediate investigation into the roles allegedly played by rival candidates, their agents and supporters in the disruption of the primary election.

“I respectfully call on the Election Appeal Panel to immediately investigate the roles played by unruly candidates, their agents and supporters in the disruption of the process. I further urge the panel to take disciplinary action against any individual found culpable in sponsoring violence, intimidation or acts capable of undermining the party’s democratic process,” she stated.

Ikokwu also demanded a probe into the conduct of officials responsible for organising the exercise, alleging that poor coordination and negligence contributed to the collapse of the primary.

“I also call for a thorough investigation into the role played by individuals and officials saddled with the responsibility of organising and coordinating the election, whose apparent failure, negligence, or inability to properly manage the process significantly contributed to the confusion, disorder and eventual collapse of the exercise,” she said.

The aspirant maintained that the exercise should be declared inconclusive and warned against recognising any candidate as the winner.

“I demand that the failed exercise be declared inconclusive. Mr. Eric Anyamene should not be declared winner. Hon. Uche Okonkwo should also not be declared winner.

“It will be a fraudulent choice if the NDC names either Mr. Anyamene or Hon. Okonkwo as winner for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency because the party would have chosen them through brazen criminal acts contrary to natural justice, equity and good conscience.

“No direct primary election took place in Idemili North and South Federal Constituency to enable members choose their representative through popular votes,” she added.

Providing details of the incident, Ikokwu alleged that there was widespread confusion over the designated venue for the Idemili South primary, a situation she described as deliberate sabotage.

According to her, party members, delegates and supporters received conflicting information regarding the venue, while the absence of proper accreditation, coordination and supervision further hampered the process.

She alleged that the situation later degenerated into violence as supporters of rival candidates and suspected thugs engaged in clashes that created panic and forced many party members to flee.

Ikokwu specifically accused supporters of one of the aspirants of chanting slogans and recording videos purporting victory while no voting was taking place.

She further alleged that the atmosphere of intimidation and insecurity made it impossible to conduct a free, fair and credible election in Idemili South.

According to her, supporters loyal to her candidature, who had reportedly gathered at the venue from about 10 a.m., were unable to vote before the exercise collapsed around 1:30 p.m.

She claimed that a similar situation occurred in Idemili North, where violence and disorder allegedly disrupted the process, adding that some of her campaign posters were destroyed during the disturbances.

As of the time of filing this report, those accused in the petition had not responded to the allegations. The NDC Election Appeal Panel was also yet to comment on the matter.

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