– Says, INEC, Now Appendage Of APC
Senator Athan Nneji Achonu, who contested the November, 11, 2023 Imo State governorship election on the platform of Labour Party, LP, has accused the All Progressive Congress APC of manipulating election results in the country instead of allowing the electorate to determine who holds their collective mandate in trust.
Achonu, who stated this, while addressing journalists at his Ehime Mbano country home on Tuesday, September, 3, while expressing dismay over the development also alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, has become an appendage of the APC.
According to him, “It is worthy of mention that a dangerous and unhealthy political culture has been introduced by the ruling party, the APC. They manipulate election results and, in a brazen display of arrogance, tell the opposition to go to court. It is clear now that in Nigeria, it is no longer the people who decide who wins an election; it is the judiciary. The audacity of this practice, where the judiciary’s pronouncements outweigh the people’s votes, should alarm every patriotic Nigerian.
It has also become painfully evident that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has become another arm of the ruling party, the APC, turning our entire democratic institution into a mere circus. Unfortunately, the Judiciary is not able to ensure INEC does the right thing in election petition matter such as this”.
He recalled how he and his team campaigned vigorously prior to the election, despite the alarming insecurity and other attendant challenges, but regrettably, a person he did not mention eventually claimed victory.
Achonu, an acclaimed business mogul farmer and industrialist, further noted that, though he holds the judiciary in very high esteem for its crucial role in the Nigeria legal system the circumstances surrounding the judgment in the 2023 Imo governorship election are disturbing.
He expressed disappointment at what he perceived as INEC’s failure to be assertive as a truly independent umpire and the as well is the inability of the judiciary to compel INEC to do the right thing in accordance with law and provisions of the Electorate Act.
He re-interated his passionate commitment towards liberating Imolites from the shackles of poor, inept and purposeless governance. He urged the people to offer constructive criticism and commendation where and when necessary.
Senator Athan also used the opportunity to express his heartfelt gratitude to members of his campaign team, the leadership of the party at various levels, his teeming supporters and all Labour Party faithful for their unflinching support and loyalty. He urged them to remain focused and unwavering.
