Enugu LG Poll: APGA rejects results, blames ENSIEC over alleged irregularities

The opposition All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has rejected the results of the just concluded  local council election in Enugu State, blaming the State’s Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) for alleged irregularities in the exercise.

Chairman and Secretary of Enugu State chapter of APGA, Ndubuisi Enechionyia and Dickson Ani respectively announced the rejection in a statement they co-signed Sunday.

APGA in its statement condemned the activities and actions of the Michael Ajogwu-led ENSIEC and frowned at the alleged violation, assault and malpractices displayed by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the poll.

“The party condemns, in totality, the gravity of electoral harassment, intimidation, violence, assault and malpractices displayed by the ruling party in the state, in collaboration with the electoral commission and its officers, wherein lives and properties were lost,” it said.

“The Ajogwu-led ENSIEC reneged on its statutory oaths and betrayed the mandate imposed on them.”

APGA maintained that it was disappointed by inadequate or non-availability of ENSIEC staff and electoral materials for various venues used for the election, it also stated.

It alleged that the electoral results declared by ENSIEC were pre-meditated; calling on the electoral body o immediately “withdraw the illegal certificates of return” already issued to PDP the winners.

“The result is against the will of the people. It will not stand. We will do what is legally necessary to reverse this blatant abuse of our sensibilities,” APGA said.

Meanwhile, APGA has urged its supporters to remain calm and resolute; affirming that it had commenced the process, seeking cancellation of the poll.

“Our state has never had it so bad. This is the final dance of a failed PDP government and the disgraceful Ajogwu-led electoral body, as we have no doubt that Enugu will be rescued from the hands of these ravenous lions come 2023, especially as the new Electoral Act 2022 has just been signed into law by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”