PRESS STATEMENT ON THE CANCELLATION OF ANIOCHA-NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA ELECTION ON SATURDAY 13th JULY, 2024
BY DR. AUGUSTINE ISIKWEI OJOGBO, LABOUR PARTY CHAIRMANSHIP CANDIDATE
Ladies and gentlemen of the press,
I, Dr. Augustine Isikwei Ojogbo, on behalf of all councillorship candidates and myself stand before you today as a candidate for the Labour Party chairmanship in the Delta State local government elections in Aniocha North LGA. I am deeply disheartened by the blatant disregard for democracy that we witnessed in today’s election.
It is clear that this election was marred by significant flaws, including late arrival of voting materials, votes buying, double voting, stuffing of ballot boxes, intimidation, illegal voting in non-designated places and compromised electoral officers who are mostly PDP card carrying members.
These actions undermine the integrity of our electoral process and have robbed the people of Aniocha North LGA of their right to a free and fair election.
As a candidate who has dedicated my time and effort to serving the people of this community, I cannot, in good conscience, accept the results of an election that was conducted in such a fraudulent manner.
I stand with the people of Aniocha North LGA in condemning these actions and I call for outright cancellation of today’s polls in the following Wards: 1(Obior), 4(Onicha-Ukwu), 5(Issele-Azagba), 8(Ugboko- Chairmanship) 9(Idumuje-Unor) and 14(Ezi) of Aniocha-North Local Government Area of Delta State as conducted by DSIEC.
I also call for a rescheduling of elections in Wards 2(Onitsha-Ugbo), 15(Onitsha-Ugbo), 8 (Ugboko- Councillor) and16 (Idumogo and Ugboba) where election never took place.
I urge the electoral commission to take swift and decisive action to conduct a fresh poll in these affected areas to rectify the issues that plagued today’s election and ensure that the rights of the people are protected.
I call on the people of Aniocha North LGA to remain vigilant and to continue to demand accountability from those in power.
Together, we can strive for a future where our elections are free, fair, and transparent.
We cannot allow such flagrant violations of our democratic principles to go unchecked.
Thank you.
