The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primary elections in Abia State on Friday were marred by widespread allegations of rigging, disenfranchisement, and the diversion of election materials, particularly in Bende, Aba South, and Ohafia local government areas. Party members, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, and candidates expressed confusion and frustration as the electoral process broke down in several locations. In Uzuakoli civic hall, the venue for Bende’s primary, aspirants were left stranded after the Returning Officer reportedly abandoned the election, jumping into the car of one candidate and driving away. The hall’s gate was also locked, preventing a large group of voters from entering to cast their ballots.
A State House of Assembly aspirant for Bende South constituency, Ikpechukwu Emeka Loveday, accused two Returning Officers of disappearing with election materials after collecting them from the NDC state office in Umuahia. He emphasized that the issue was not personal but a broader problem of systemic disenfranchisement affecting thousands of voters in Bende who turned out to participate. “It is not about me; it is about the systemic disenfranchisement of thousands of Bende people who came out to choose their preferred candidates in the elections,” Loveday stated, highlighting the deep public concern over the integrity of the process.
In Aba North, Aba South, and Aba Central, the situation was equally tense, with reports of attempted candidate imposition, the use of thugs, and efforts to hijack election materials. These allegations have raised serious questions about the credibility and transparency of the NDC’s primary elections in Abia State. However, in contrast, the primary exercise proceeded smoothly in Osisioma local government area, indicating a stark regional divide in how the elections were conducted.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Abia State, John Okiyi Kalu, has accused the party’s leadership of conducting an unfair primary. Kalu lost to Kelechi Anosike in the PDP gubernatorial primaries and claimed he was betrayed despite his long-standing contributions to the party. In response, the Chairman of the PDP in Abia State, Abraham Amah, stated that Kalu did not formally inform key party officials that he was running for governor, which according to Amah, affected his eligibility and recognition within the party structure.
These developments have sparked growing public and political scrutiny over the conduct of party primaries in Abia State, with calls for greater transparency and accountability. As the 2023 general elections draw closer, the credibility of party primaries will remain a critical factor in shaping voter confidence and political legitimacy across Nigeria.
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