By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
As the results of Enugu North Senatorial by- election are being awaited, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the poll, Barr. Nestor Ezeme, has alleged widespread electoral manipulation and violence during the election.
Ezeme claimed that political appointees and Local Government (LG) officials attempted to undermine the will of voters across the district.
Speaking with journalists after monitoring the exercise, Ezeme said reports reaching him from various parts of the senatorial zone indicated that the people were voting massively for his candidacy despite what he described as intimidation and interference by government officials.
According to him, State Commissioners, LG Chairmen, councillors and other political actors were allegedly moving from one polling unit to another in an attempt to influence the outcome of the election.
“The reports I am getting across the senatorial district show that the people are voting massively for me. The support is overwhelming and it appears headed for a landslide victory.
“Unfortunately, there are efforts by government officials and their agents to scuttle the will of the people,” he said.
The PDP flagbearer particularly condemned an alleged violent incident at Ofogu polling unit in Ogbozalla Ward, where, he claimed, the party’s Ward Chairman was attacked and seriously injured.
Ezeme alleged that the Chairman sustained severe head injuries during the incident and was receiving treatment in a hospital.
“My party Chairman is in a critical condition in the hospital. I fear for his life. His only offence was serving as the PDP Chairman in the Ward. What happened is unfortunate and unacceptable in a democratic setting,” he lamented.
Ezeme further alleged that armed thugs were employed in some polling areas to frighten voters and party agents.
Despite the incidents, Ezeme commended PDP supporters for remaining resilient and returning to polling units after alleged acts of intimidation.
“When they were attacked, they came back. When they were chased away, they returned. That is why the results coming in show a very wide margin. The people have spoken and I am confident of victory,” he said.
The PDP candidate also dismissed allegations that his party was responsible for disruptions during the election, insisting that any legal action arising from the exercise would be based on evidence gathered from the field.
He called on electoral authorities and security agencies to ensure that votes cast by the electorate are protected and accurately reflected in the final outcome of the by-election.
“I know I have won this election. My prayer is that the wishes of the people will be respected and that the process will not be manipulated at the collation stage,” Ezeme added.
The Enugu North Senatorial District by-election witnessed reports of logistical challenges, late arrival of electoral materials and allegations of irregularities from various stakeholders, although voting continued in most polling units across the district.
The by-election arose following the death of then-incumbent, Senator Okey Ezea, last November.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Barrister Ezeme.
