The senatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the just-concluded Anambra Central by-election has rejected the outcome of the poll, alleging widespread irregularities and malpractice.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Awka, the candidate described the exercise as a “sham” and accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of failing to ensure a transparent process.
According to him, reports from polling units indicated incidents of vote-buying, intimidation of voters, and compromise by some electoral officials. He further claimed that security operatives looked the other way while irregularities were being perpetrated.
What happened on election day cannot be described as a free and fair contest. The will of the people was subverted, and the figures announced do not reflect the votes cast,” the ADC candidate said.
He called on INEC to cancel the election and conduct a fresh exercise that would guarantee credibility and fairness.
The candidate also urged supporters to remain calm but resolute, assuring them that legal and constitutional means would be pursued to challenge the result.
Meanwhile, INEC had earlier declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the Anambra Central senatorial by-election, a result already being contested by opposition parties.
Civil society groups monitoring the poll have also called for a review, urging the electoral body to investigate allegations of malpractice to safeguard public confidence in the electoral process.
