CSOs threatens to sue (ABSIEC) over Abia LG election
A Coalition of 35 Civil Society Organizations has faulted the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) over alleged irregularities noticed at the Local Government election in the state on November 2.
In a statement signed by the leader of the group Engr. Simon C. Diogu and his secretary Comrade Friday Eleojo and available to our correspondent in Umuahia on Wednesday, the CSOs called for cancellation of the election.
They alleged the the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election Alioha Loveday Nwachinemere could not vote in his poling unit in Nvosi due to non availability of election materials and personnel.
They added that he was reportedly mal-handled by some personnel of the State security outfit which resulted to a little crisis between his teaming supporters and the security men, when he raised an alarm that his life was allegedly under threat.
The CSOs further threatened to organize a peaceful protest to register her reservations concerning the election.
The group also called on the National Assembly to expedite action in amending the relevant sections of the 1999 constitution in ensuring that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) takes over the conduct of Local Government election in Nigeria.
The statement read, “In any democratic state, it is always necessary that election comply with stipulated rules and guideline to ensure a smooth power transit, in line with democratic principles and global best practices, which is the essence of accrediting civil society organizations to observe any election.
“The intension is to be able to access the degrees of compliance of the Election Management Body, Political Parties and their Supporters as well as Security Agencies to the relevant laws as provided by the Constitution and the Electoral Laws of the Country.
“Based on the above, as a coalition of Civil Society Organizations that observed the November 2nd, 2024 Local Government Area Council Elections in Abia State, wish to state our observation and position as thus:
“The Abia State Local Government Election of 2nd November, 2024 did not take place as schedule in the entire state, except in some stage managed polling units for media show.
“We as civil society organization committed to strengthening democratic values and constitutional rights of citizens are ready to mobilize our teaming members across Abia State and beyond for a peaceful protest and all other democratic means to ensure that our laws are been protected, including a legal action against ABSIEC, the State government and the Zenith Labour Party”.