The ongoing gubernatorial election in Imo State is witnessing alleged barefaced massive electoral malpractices.
Information from the field had it that electoral materials for Ward 7 in Orsu clan of Orlu Local Government Area were hijacked with the help of policemen and moved to the palace of a prominent monarch, who also occupies a top position in the Imo State Council of Ndieze.
Also, there were no voting materials at Okwelle 1 and 2. Instead the voting materials were reportedly diverted to Okwelle Police Station where agents of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, allegedly thumb printed and wrote the results.
In Okigwe, while the electorate gathered at the stadium and waiting, the voting materials were moved to the local government sectariate where no other party agent was granted access except the APC.
In similar bizarre circumstances, all electoral materials for 7 polling booth in Imoko ward;
8 polling booth in Izuoga ward 2 , and 24 polling booth in Iheme ward were hijacked and diverted to a house in Umuokparaa in Akokwa where APC agents also thum printed and wrote the results.
Heavily armed soldiers and police officers allegedly blocked the access of others into the premises.
In Ebenese Umuezenachi, ward RA, the materials were snatched at gunpoint alongside the bus by 7 vehicles conveying armed policemen and some Ebubeagu operatives.
Voters also alleged that INEC officials sent to PU 009 Ndiawa Uwaonu in ward 2 Okigwe abandoned their responsibility with the excuse that no security was attached to them.
“Yet they made their way to New Life Beer Parlour close to the polling unit to enjoy themselves apparently with induced fund,” an aggrieved voter lamented.
“The INEC officer in charge of Okigwe Local Government should explain to the world why security personnel were not attached to her team.”
Another disappointed voter, who simply identified himself as Ugorji, lamented: “There is nothing like election again in Nigeria. How can people hoping that today is election but no one can see it working. I am sorry for this country called Nigeria.
“In our area no one is coming out because there are no materials for people to vote. This government in power is evil from head to toe. There were no elections in Okporo and Amaifeke and some other places, no election.”
A female voter, Ego, spoke in similar vein.
“It is sad and very painful. Even in my village too in Ihiteowerri, Obibii and other places, election did not hold. This is shameful!”
To one voter, who preferred not to be identified, “the most painful thing about the development is the involvement of policemen in this dastardly act. Where is the hope of the masses. What is happening to us as a people? he asked rhetorically like a defeated man
