By Jonathan Ugbal
The candidates of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) Ongro Ogbeche, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Michael Usibe, and the Young Progressives Party (YPP) Monkom Igbaji in the February 26th, 2022 legislative by-elections for the Ogoja/Yala federal constituency have rejected the outcome of the results.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Mr. Jude Ngaji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as winner of the by-elections which was characterized by a low voter turnout amidst pockets of violence.
And, the trio of Ogbeche, Usibe and Igbaji took to their Facebook pages at different points on Sunday and Monday, to reject the results in statements signed by themselves. They cited violence and other malpractices as their reasons.
While Usibe said he won the election but was rigged by the APC, Ogbeche of the APM said he will challenge the results in court while Igbaji of the YPP said the violence and irregularities put a question mark on the results declared by INEC.
Find, below, the different statements issued.
Ongro Rock Ogbeche – APM
“I Ongro Rock Ogbeche, candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) is on the notion that, the results of the just concluded election were totally biased. Lots of irregularities took place, as some ballot papers were not counted, and we are ready to take it further from here.
“I want to say here that I am not satisfied with the outcome of the elections, and as such will not accept this kind of result.
“We are very ready to challenge the result of the elections at the appropriate quarters, as consultations are ongoing to legally reclaim our victory.
“I want to assure all our supporters, party faithfuls to remain steadfast as they go about their lawful activities as we proceed for justice, victory is sure.”
Michael Ede Usibe – PDP
“Arising from the Ogoja/Yala Federal constituency by-election, which took place on Saturday, the 26th of February 2022, there are fundamental issues that can not be glossed over, in the interest of the electoral process, the good people of the Ogoja/Yala federal constituency and for posterity.
“First, the people came out and voted massively for their party of choice, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and outrightly rejected Governor Ayade and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The PDP clearly won the election.
“Secondly, the Governor, realizing that the APC had lost, ordered a mixed group of security forces and armed cultists led by his Aide de Camp (ADC) and Chief Security Officer (CSO) to unleash on the electoral process, unprecedented violence. This vicious group of marauders, ultimately held INEC officials hostage, forcing them to post false results in favor of the APC.
“In the light of the foregoing, I hereby state clearly that I am the authentic winner of the by-election and should have been so declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“This old-fashioned electoral fraud will be appropriately redressed within the confines of the law.
“I thank the good people of Ogoja/Yala and all my supporters for giving me their mandate, which by the grace of God is still intact.”
Monkom Itegila Igbaji – YPP
“After a careful consideration of events surrounding the just concluded by-election in Ogoja/Yala federal constituency, I would like to state categorically and in the strongest possible terms my displeasure at the electoral process and denounce in totality the results earlier announced.
“This election was marred with violence and several malpractices like voter intimidation and harassment of polling unit agents and canvassers, use of security personnel to compromise integrity of election materials, etc which puts a big question mark on the validity of the INEC announcement.
“I will not sit back and watch the mandate of the people robbed through vices which will mortgage the hopes and aspirations of my constituents and doesn’t represent in any form the voice of my people.
“In the meantime, I will appeal to all my supporters and every peace loving person of goodwill to remain calm as we explore all available means to seek redress.
“I believe a better Nigeria is possible and can only be so, if things are done correctly. I am willing to go the extra mile to make sure the proper thing is done.”
