It has been over 12 days since the people of Alor-Agu in Igbo-Eze South LGA of Enugu state peacefully conducted their long-awaited Igweship election (7 years). The process was open, transparent and widely witnessed by community members, security agencies, representatives from the Enugu State Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, members of Enugu State House of Assembly and both candidates: Hon. Okwudili Omeke and Mr. Christian Ugwuanyi.
Votes were counted publicly in the presence of all, and both candidates were seen with copies of the results. However, the Chairman of the electoral committee, Engr. Christopher Obumneke Eze, had absconded in order not to officially declare the outcome of the election having perceived that the results will not favour his preferred candidate, Hon. Okwudili Omeke. Instead, he quietly submitted a report to the Ministry about days later, raising questions about transparency and fairness.
The final vote count showed Mr. Christian Ugwuanyi with 694 votes, clearly ahead of Hon. Okwudili Omeke who secured 622 votes, as openly recorded and witnessed by all present.
Mrs. Ogochukwu Ozoagu, who led the Ministry’s team to the election venue, had admitted that while everyone present saw the results and both candidates had the results, the Ministry cannot declare them, as that responsibility lies with the electoral committee Chairman who was nowhere to be found.
The delay has sparked tension and concern among community members. Why is the result not being announced?
Why did the electoral chairman disappear while the voting was going on, only to submit a report days later?
Many are now demanding accountability, clarity and immediate release of the official result to respect the will of the people.
Your Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the people of Alor-Agu are heartbroken and restless; please intervene and uphold the will of the people by ensuring that the rightful winner of the Igweship election is officially declared.
The Governor should intervene and restore the people’s trust in his leadership by declaring the winner Mr Ugwuanyi and issue him with warrant. Most of those working with the Governor want him to fail just like they did to the former Governor.