Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, has alleged that Saturday’s governorship election in the state was marred by widespread irregularities, voter intimidation and did not reflect the wishes of the people.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Hon. Francis Nwifuru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the election marred by widespread intimidation.
Odii, who accused the ruling APC of using violence to capture power, vowed to challenge the outcome of the election in court.
The PDP candidate thanked the people of the state for their support, while expressing sadness over the reported killing of some intending voters during the election.
“I thank you for your show of support in coming out to vote en-masse in the March 18 gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections. I remain grateful for your goodwill and belief in our mission to recover Ebonyi state,” he said.
“I am saddened by the numerous reports of loss of life, damage to property and injury to voters and citizens recorded all over the State.
“The Saturday elections have once again exposed the magnitude of our security and governance challenges in Ebonyi state, which has become a standard under the APC-led regime. Undemocratic forces seeking to capture the soul of our society are afraid to face the people in a free and fair election, so they use violence and intimidation to impose their agenda. We cannot allow this unfolding pattern of “governance by violence” to become our new reality.
“I am a man of peace, and violence is not associated with my personality. Events might not be going the way we would like them to, but we must remain calm and look for solutions within the law. We cannot emulate the murderous tactics of the APC regime and their gang of conspirators.
“Though victory may be delayed, it cannot be denied. The people’s mandate remains our mission. We will not be deterred. The Promise of Possibility remains alive and strong. By the grace of God, the will of the people shall prevail. Anyi g’emeya.”
