Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta North Senatorial District have rejected what they described as a “self-declared victory” by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in the party’s senatorial primaries, insisting that only the APC National Committee has the authority to officially announce results.
The stakeholders, in a strongly worded statement issued
after the primaries, faulted Okowa’s alleged declaration of victory, describing
it as a violation of party procedures and an attempt to manipulate public
perception ahead of the official announcement.
“Victory cannot be self-declared. The authority to announce
results rests solely with the party’s National Committee in line with APC
guidelines,” the stakeholders stated.
They maintained that results collated from several wards
across Delta North overwhelmingly favoured Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, whom they
said won the exercise convincingly.
According to the stakeholders, the APC had clearly outlined
the procedures for result collation before the primaries, including ward
collation, local government collation and final submission to the national
headquarters before any declaration could be made.
The group accused Okowa of disregarding the laid-down
process by allegedly announcing himself winner before the completion of
official procedures.
“These figures emerging from the wards are clear and
consistent. The people spoke overwhelmingly in favour of Senator Ned Nwoko,”
the statement added.
The stakeholders cited several ward results which they
claimed reflected Nwoko’s dominance across the senatorial district.
In Ward 7, Ndokwa West, they said Nwoko polled 1,281 votes
against Okowa’s 26 votes, while in Ward 9, Abbi, Ndokwa West, Nwoko reportedly
secured 1,505 votes against Okowa’s 420.
They also listed results from wards in Ika North East,
Ukwuani and Oshimili South local government areas, where they alleged Nwoko
maintained wide margins over the former governor.
The stakeholders further alleged that the primaries were
marred by violence and intimidation in areas believed to be strongholds of
Senator Nwoko.
According to them, a party member identified as Igelige
Chukunomnazu sustained injuries in Ward 9, Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government
Area, following alleged attacks during the exercise.
They also claimed that an individual identified as Ernest
was stabbed in Ward 8, Aniocha North Local Government Area during the
primaries.
In another incident, stakeholders alleged that violence
disrupted the process at Anishi Primary School in Ward 3, forcing the returning
officer to flee the venue for safety.
Describing the incidents as attempts to suppress genuine
voter expression, the stakeholders called on the APC National Committee to
intervene and ensure that the final declaration reflects what they described as
the true outcome of the primaries.
“The integrity of the party is at stake. This is not just
about a primary election but about whether internal democracy will prevail,”
the statement added.
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