The governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in Ebonyi State has rejected the results. Dr. Ifeanyi Odii has rejected the outcome declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
INEC announced Francis Nwifuru, the All Progressive Congress candidate, as governor-elect of Ebonyi State. Meanwhile, Odii, in a statement, describes the outcome of the exercise as “a broad-day robbery of the people’s mandate” in the state. He thanked the people of Ebonyi State for coming out to vote in their numbers. Also, he was saddened by the numerous reports of loss of life, damage to property, and injury to voters and citizens recorded all over the state.
In his words, “the Saturday elections have once again exposed the magnitude of our security and governance challenges in Ebonyi State.” Further, this became 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.”
Afterward, Odii reiterated that he was a man of peace and that violence was not associated with him. Therefore, he will remain calm and seek solutions within the law for Ebonyi State. “We cannot emulate the tactics of the APC regime.”
Finally, he said, 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.