The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has strongly criticized the conduct of the local government election held today, calling it a complete fraud. The party alleges that the election was marred by irregularities and manipulation.
Speaking to journalists in Owerri, the state capital, PDP Chairman Austine Nwachukwu expressed deep dissatisfaction, stating that the election process was deliberately flawed. “We have witnessed the death of democracy today. The so-called local government election in Imo State, held on September 21, 2024, is nothing but an organized fraud and a mockery of democracy,” Nwachukwu declared.
According to the PDP, instead of being conducted at polling stations, the election was carried out in private locations, including hotels and the offices of sole administrators of the 27 local government areas. Nwachukwu described this as an “unprecedented assault on democracy.”
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Nwachukwu further alleged that there was no actual election across the state, pointing out the absence of both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials at most polling units. By 4 p.m., he said, voters who had waited to cast their ballots in vain were forced to return home in frustration. He added that sensitive electoral materials were instead delivered to All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders at various local government areas.
The PDP had previously raised concerns about potential rigging by the APC government, accusing the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) of failing to follow electoral laws. The party had also criticized ISIEC for not releasing the names of candidates and failing to make the voter register available at polling stations.
Nwachukwu further noted that no meetings were held between ISIEC, political parties, or candidates before the election. He also raised concerns about the secrecy surrounding the appointment of electoral officers, stating that ISIEC did not advertise or explain how ad-hoc staff were selected.
In his closing remarks, Nwachukwu condemned the Hope Uzodimma-led administration for its poor handling of the election, calling it a disgrace to democratic governance. “A government connected to the people would not fear the ballot. This is clear evidence of a failed administration,” he concluded.
