The PDP candidate who claimed some security men broke into his house in the early hours of the day of polling said his two cousins and polling station staff were beaten by the intruders.
The local council candidate of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Okamu area of Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, Honourable Igwe Akuma Akuwu, has sounded the alarm for his life in the November 2 local government elections, which have since been over as the local government elections have been in jeopardy.
As it is reported that Newspaper Pledge Also carry out that Aku also cried out for justice, claiming that although he won the election by a landslide, his mandate has been snatched away.
The PDP candidate who claimed some security men broke into his house in the early hours of the day of polling said his two cousins and polling station staff were beaten by the intruders.
Akuwu, in a statement made available to Vanguard, called on the Abia Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, to explain his role in the scenario.
He is living in fear and has therefore called for help from security agencies.
The deputy governor, however, reacted swiftly, denying any involvement in the alleged invasion of Aku’s home, saying the PDP candidate was only trying to gain cheap popularity by linking it to his ordeal.
The deputy governor, who spoke through his spokesman, Chukwudi Eke Mba, also denied the allegations as false, adding that the candidate for the advisory post was too small a fly to be envied.
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“How can the deputy governor stoop so low to such a person?” After all, PDP is already dead in Abia and he just wants people to pay attention. Nowadays, when someone wants to make headlines, they bring up the name of the deputy governor to grab attention. “All the allegations are false,” he said.
But the PDP candidate in a statement insisted that the deputy governor needs to be investigated. The statement read: “I am His Royal Highness Igwe Akuma Akwu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the legitimate winner of the just concluded local government election in Okamu Local Government Area in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
“At about 3:25am on election day, 2nd November 2024, unknown persons accompanied by two of my cousins entered my house. They forced me to guide them to my house to contact them and beat me thoroughly” at an unknown location.
“Luckily I was in the bathroom and had no choice but to stay there till dawn. As if the threats were not enough, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Engineer, said: Ikechukwu Emetu personally came to Okon Aku Ohafia to look for me along with the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) candidate, Ige Kalu Ige.
“Despite intimidation by the Deputy Governor and the arrest of four of my polling agents, the people of Okam voted for me in droves and I was declared the winner of the election by ABSIEC officials.
As a law-abiding citizen who has not had any criminal issues with law enforcement agencies or the deputy governor, I wonder why he wants to ruin my life.
“Because of his threats and intimidation, my life is in danger, I am now living in fear and my constitutional right to freedom is in total danger.
“I do not know the deputy governor’s motive on the day of the election, but it is probably about my popularity in Okamu County. I call on the relevant authorities to investigate this incident and ensure my safety.”
The statement further added that “Despite attempts to frustrate my election, the people of Okamu County overwhelmingly voted for me as confirmed and stated in a video recording by the supervisor of the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC).”
“ABSIEC, contrary to the wishes and mandate of the Okamu people, declared Ige Kalu Ige, son of Zenith Labor Party, the winner of the election and handed him the electoral certificate. “What I am worried about now is not that my duties have been taken from me in broad daylight, but my life, which is under threat.”
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He, however, called on his supporters to remain calm and called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter.
“To the people of Okamu Constituency, please remain hopeful, for there is life and there is hope.”
Meanwhile, the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) denied any knowledge of the claim that the PDP candidate won the election and called for evidence.
When contacted, ABSIEC Commissioner for Information, Voter Education, Training and Publicity, Dr. Kelechi Okere, said the candidate needed to back up his claims with evidence.
“He should understand that this is a choice, not a choice.” If he is declared the winner, he should submit the result sheet and declaration certificate. He should have the proof.”
When reminded of the viral video purportedly announcing the constituency results, he said he knew nothing about it.
Attempts to contact the state police public relations officer, Ms Maureen Chinaka, were unsuccessful as she did not pick his calls.
At the time of filing this report, she had not responded to a text message sent to her.
When contacted, the police officer in charge of investigations at the IPO said the four were arrested by different security agencies from the PDP candidate’s home and taken to Ohafia Police Station. According to the IPO (name withheld), the Lt Governor then came to the station and alleged that those arrested had defamed him on social media.
“Four people were brought here and arrested but were later released on bail,” he said. They allegedly left voice notes online against the Lt Governor. The Lt Governor then came and said they had defamed him.
On the police findings, the IPO said, “They had said they would go to court.” We have prepared the file. Any time they want to go to court, we will charge them, but if they want to settle, that’s fine.”