– Says, 3rd Respondent Connived With INEC, APC To Upturn My Victory
- – Case Adjourned Next Tuesday
The Labour Party candidate for Orlu State constituency in the March 18, 2023 election, Comrade Precious Nwadike, who is adjudged by many to have won, has asked the Imo State Election Petition tribunal, sitting at Mararaba, Nasarawa State to declare him winner of the election.
Nwadike, who appeared in person to give evidence in Chief and corroborate what had been pleaded through his lawyer, stated that his opponent was not qualified to contest the election, in view of his alleged criminal record and the fact that he did not score the actual number of votes.
Nwadike, a renowned human rights activist insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, the second respondent, the APC and the third respondent, Ihezuo, had connived to rob him of his mandate, and urged the court to declare him winner of the election.
In the Suit, marked EPT/Imo/SHA/30/2023, Comrade Nwadike told the Honorable Court that the election was marred by violence in the areas where he has strong hold, because operatives of the state owned Ebubeagu Security Network were used to harass, intimidate and disperse eligible voters who had converged to perform their civic duty. And in the process, some of his supporters sustained various degrees of injuries.
He further stated that the declaration of the third respondent as winner of the election, is at variance with the BVAS report.
Nwadike, also informed the court that after the election had been conducted, his opponent went and started mutilating records of the election. He, on this premise, urged the court to declare him winner of the election in the interest of justice.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the court session, Nwadike reiterated his passionate commitment towards ensuring justice for Orlu people who he said, voted massively for him.
Responding to a question on allegation that he abandoned the court case and travelled overseas, Nwadike said, “it is a known fact that it is not in my character to abandon struggles for liberation of the people half way. Besides, the present struggle is about the interest of Orlu people who have had it so bad in recent times”.
“The present struggle is about the collective interest of Orlu people. I am committed to the return of peace and normalcy to Orlu, so that the people can, as usual engage in their lawful transactions without hindrance or fear of attacks”.
Continuing , he said, “I contested election because I believe that I have what it takes to right the wrongs and heal the wounds inflicted on our people by a group of selfish opportunists, who are bereft of ideas and have nothing good to offer”.
He used the opportunity to call on his supporters to remain calm, focused and prayerful, adding that with the performance of his fire brand lawyer, Barr G.C Opara, he is optimistic that the judges will ensure that justice prevails.
Also speaking, the Director General of Nwadike Campaign Organization, Comrade Odinaka Emejuru, expressed confidence that the judiciary will dispense justice creditably.
Emejuru, who hails from Ihitte Owerre/Obibi Ward, also stated that his ward is one of the 5 wards where election did not hold, yet, the first respondent, in connivance with the first respondent, INEC, the 2nd correspondent, APC declared the 3rd respondent, Ihezuo, winner despite the glaring irregularities.
He expressed dismay that results were announced in places deemed to have been deserted despite the fact that the people had fled for safety, hence election was not held there.
