LP’s Otti leads in Abia governorship poll as thugs invade INEC office

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday began announcing the results of Saturday’s gubernatorial poll with the candidate of the Labor Party (LP), Alex Otti, clearly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the State Returning Officer, Nnenna Oti, has announced the results of the 10 local government areas (LGAs) at the state’s heavily guarded INEC Collection Center in Umuahia before the postponement of collection until Monday.

Out of 10 LGAs, LP polled 65,968 votes, while its closest competitor, viz People’s Democratic Party (PDP), polling 53,042 votes.

The declared LGAs include Ukwa East: LP 2273, PDP 2329; West Ukwa: LP 2833, PDP 4622; Band: LP 9886, PDP 3410; North Isialangwa: LP 7323, PDP 21,741.

Others are Isialangwa Kidul: LP 7589, PDP 9093; Arochukwu: LP 12,689, PDP 1,280; Ugwunagbo: LP 2,153, PDP 2,538; Isuikwuato: LP 8228, PDP 2204; Ikwano: LP 7054, PDP 2,427; and Umunneochi: LP 5940, PDP 3,198.

The state returning officer promised that all the results will be reviewed and determined against the backdrop of alleged violations, including the outbreak of violence, the seizure of ballot boxes and the handling of INEC officials in some LGAs, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

NAN reports that there have been allegations and counter-allegations of wrongdoing, especially by LP and PDP Collation Agents, Acho Obioma and Charles Egeonu.

Meanwhile, the INEC headquarters in a tweet on Twitter handle Sunday afternoon, wrote that: “Thugs have attacked the office of Obingwa Local Government Area in Abia State.
“Security agencies have been alerted.
“The commission is monitoring the situation and will issue a statement shortly.”
NAN reports that the results of the remaining seven LGAs, including Obingwa, have not been brought to the Collection Center at the time of the adjournment.

(AT)