As controversy trials the non-release of the governorship election in Abia State, INEC has been put on notice that Abians are tired of imposition of leadership, and with their confidence  in Electoral Act, 2022 would not accept anything short of a process that is free, fair and credible, says Dr Monday Ubani, former 2nd National  Vice President of Nigeria Bar Association, NBA in a statement on Sunday.


The Constitutional lawyer while reacting to the deadlock in the release of Abia State governorship election held on Saturday, March 19, 2023, maintained that anything contrary to the Electoral Act "would be rejected outrightly and I am afraid that such outcome  shall not  be  allowed to stand  in the State and by extension in Nigeria"


 Dr Ubani expressed outrage that with the progress Nigeria has made with the new Electoral Act,  2022, he is surprised that someone will contemplate forcing INEC’s officials to announce fictitious results that does not pass through BVAS accreditation.


"I will not believe it. But that is precisely what is  happening in Abia presently at Obingwa Local Government Area in Abia State.


"Information at my disposal is that the EO of INEC in Obingwa was placed  under severe threat to announce results that were not obtained in accordance with the Electoral Act in favour of a particular candidate in the gubernatorial race  in the State. When he refused to accede to such demands,  they forced his other  colleagues to announce the mind boggling results to suit their whim and caprices. 


"INEC is hereby advised and warned seriously not to further damage its already battered image by going ahead  with announcing such  results in the State  that is clearly devoid of law and logic.


"On the streets and in homes, Abians are sounding it as a note of warning to INEC and the Nigerian institutions that have one role or the other to play in the electoral process,  to reject electoral heist, terrorism and ensure that free, fair and equitable process is allowed to be employed to produce the new leadership of Abia in 2023. From 1999 till date, Abians and Abia have not been fortunate with leadership that meant well for the State", he stated in the release. 


In a related development, dailyledger.com.ng reports that it's office in the headquarters of Obingwa LGA has been invaded by thugs, according to a tweet by INEC on it's Tweeter arm.