Opposition seeks declaration of candidate as senator-elect in Imo

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare its candidate for Imo North senatorial district, Patrick Ndubueze, as winner of the March 9 supplementary election in the state.

During a press briefing yesterday in Owerri by the Publicity Secretary, South East Zone of the party, Pope Chijioke Ekwegh, the PDP accused the returning officer (RO) for the election, Prof. Donatus Ohajianya, of infractions.

It also alleged that it was connivance that reportedly led to Benjamin Uwajumogu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ‘claiming’ victory.

Ekwegh said: “What transpired in the supplementary election to us does not depict the independence of that commission as it concerns its ad hoc staff that were recruited to do the needful. “It might interest all to know that the Returning Officer, Prof. Donatus Ohajianya, on meeting with our candidate, made demands.

“We do not see the reason why some persons will go about announcing themselves as senator-elect whereas INEC till date has not made any declaration and has not returned anybody.” The party added: “If somebody must be returned, Patrick Ndubueze, our candidate, should be returned. “We are demanding that these INEC officials mentioned by our great party should be arrested, interrogated and persecuted.”