The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State has issued a statement, rejecting the results of the governorship poll held on March 18, 2023, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the APGA Chairman, Rev. Augustine Ehiemere, the party would not accept the results of an election that was “marred by irregularities,” including ballot paper snatching, over-voting, manipulation, and violence against opposition parties.
The party claimed that the results did not reflect the will of the people of Abia State, and that votes cast for their candidate, Professor Greg Ibe, were suppressed and not credited to him.
They also expressed disappointment that most of the results were collated without recourse to BVAS machines, which makes them unreliable.
However, the APGA urged its supporters to remain calm and watch as the process unfolds, confident that light will triumph over darkness and that Abia will be emancipated from undemocratic forces.
The election results announced so far cover ten local governments, which include Ukwa East, Umunneochi, Ukwa West, Bende, Isialangwa North, Isialangwa South, Arochukwu, Ugwunnagbo, Isuikwuato, and Ikwuano.
The results put the Labour Party in the lead with a margin of 13,132 votes.
The APGA’s rejection of the results adds to the growing tension surrounding the Abia State governorship poll.
Observers are keenly watching as events unfold, wondering whether the election dispute will escalate further or be resolved amicably.
