Labour Party candidate accuses Abia State governor of election malpractice

Dr Alex Otti, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Abia State, has accused the state governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, of holding the electoral officer in charge of Obingwa and the local government collation officer hostage. He alleges that this was done to force them to announce fake results in favour of the candidate of Ikpeazu's party, Mr Okey Ahaiwe. Otti claims that the government invaded the Obingwa Local Government Area Collation Centre with dozens of security agents to bully INEC officials into submission. The Labour Party candidate also alleges that Ikpeazu has plans to force the officials to announce the outcome at gunpoint.

In a statement, Otti's media and publicity secretary, Ferdinand Ekeoma, alerted INEC and the people of Abia State about the alleged criminal plots of Ikpeazu. He noted that the attempt by the PDP governor to steal the mandate freely given to him by the people for Okey Ahaiwe is already dead on arrival. The statement further accuses the PDP-led government of unleashing violence in different parts of the state to scare away voters and create an atmosphere of anarchy.

The Labour Party candidate reassured Abians that the election had been collectively won by all Abians, and they should not be perturbed by Ikpeazu's attempt to steal the mandate for Okey Ahaiwe. Otti emphasized that under no circumstance would Ikpeazu and his allies succeed in stealing the mandate given to him and the Labour Party by Abians.

The alleged hostage-taking of INEC officials by the governor has caused concern among stakeholders, with many calling on security agencies to intervene and ensure that the election is free and fair. As the collation of results continues, all eyes are on Abia State to see how events will unfold.