The Admin of a social media platform in Ikwuano LGA of Abia State on Sunday issued a statement declaring that the Nov 2 Local Government elections "... fell far below the standard required for a free, fair, and credible process"

According to ABSIEC, the hurriedly contrived party, ZLP won 15 Chairmanship seats while the YPP won 2 chairmanship seats 


The group, Ikwuano Elites used it's members as unofficial observers across the length and breadth of the LG.


In the statement titled "A Call for Free and Fair Election: Ikwuano Elite Forum's Stand Against Electoral Manipulations", the Admin submitted that the election was marred by numerous accounts of infractions and what can only be described as deliberate manipulation of the electoral process.


"It is deeply disappointing, then, to witness a relapse into the old ways we thought we had left behind. Is this truly what some would call "The New Abia"? It  queried.


"As the custodians of this noble platform entrusted to us by Nde Ikwuano, we lend our voice to the chorus of discontent echoing in Ala Ikwuano. We demand an electoral process worthy of our aspirations, not one that merely serves the whims of the powerful", it submitted.


Excerpts from the full statement:


A Call for Free and Fair Election: Ikwuano Elite Forum's Stand Against Electoral Manipulations


The local government election in Abia State and Ikwuano in particular took place as scheduled on Saturday,  Nov 2, 2024. Regrettably, the election was marred by numerous accounts of infractions and what can only be described as deliberate manipulation of the electoral process. We, the Administrators of Ikwuano Elite Forum, wish to extend our gratitude to everyone who courageously shared their firsthand experiences of the election—through messages, voice notes, and videos—exposing its glaring shortcomings.


It is with a sense of duty to truth that we assert the conduct of this election fell far below the standard required for a free, fair, and credible process. We demand a higher standard from the electoral commission while we also remind our political leaders that they occupy their positions solely due to the people's desire for a new, participatory, and inclusive era of leadership—one where the mandate of the masses supersedes party dictates. It is deeply disappointing, then, to witness a relapse into the old ways we thought we had left behind. Is this truly what some would call "The New Abia"?


We urge our leaders to reflect carefully on the conduct of this election and ask themselves if it genuinely reflects the popular will of the electorate. From the feedback we have received, the people of Ikwuano have voiced, clearly and resoundingly, that this election has fallen woefully short of their expectations.


As the custodians of this noble platform entrusted to us by Nde Ikwuano, we lend our voice to the chorus of discontent echoing in Ala Ikwuano. We demand an electoral process worthy of our aspirations, not one that merely serves the whims of the powerful. 


Going forward, let us leave behind these dismal electoral theatrics and strive for a process that genuinely honours the voice of the people.


In conclusion, we demand a change that reflects the wish of Nde Ikwuano at home and in diaspora.

  • Long live Abia State!
  • Long live Ikwuano!!
  • Long live Ikwuano Elite Forum!

signed

Ikwuano Elite Admins.


dailyledger.com.ng reports that amongst the infractions during the election include the invasion by Hon Boniface Isienyi of a polling unit at Umudike Primary School in Oboro ward 2. Isienyi who represents Ikwuano State Constituency with the aid of armsed security agents attached to 'Operation Crush' abducted the SPO, Moses Iroegbulam. Results from the highly populated ward was subsequently not announced before results were announced by ABSIEC 


The election which also started as late as midday was also characterised by lack of result sheets amongst other infractions.