PDP alleges irregularities in Ogoja/Yala by-election

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has alleged massive irregularities in Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency by-election held on Saturday, February 26.

The State Chairman of the party, Mr. Venatius Ikem, made the allegation in Calabar while briefing Journalists on the position of the party.

The Returning Officer for the election, Dr. John Edor had declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the election having scored the highest number of votes cast.

“We reject in totality the results announced by the Returning Officer in the last Saturday Ogoja/Yala federal constituency election in which the APC candidate was wrongfully declared the winner.

“This is because he did not score the majority of valid votes cast in that election, ” he said.

He alleged that the election was characterised by massive irregularities including violence, snatching of ballot boxes at gunpoints by sponsored thugs who he claimed were recruited by the ruling APC.

Ikem further condemned the action of the security agencies and INEC officials for turning a blind eye to the massive irregularities that characterised the exercise.

The chairman charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be ready to produce all the BVAS machines used during the election at the tribunal for proper verification.

“We have enough evidence of massive irregularities during the election and would go to any length to challenge the outcome.

“We will reclaim our victory at the appropriate quarters. We are not relenting, ” he said.