The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has vehemently condemned the recent local government elections, labeling the process as a "planned sham" and accusing the ruling party of orchestrating significant electoral irregularities.
According to the PDP, the elections, held on September 21, 2024, were characterized by a complete breakdown of democratic norms, with voting taking place in hotels and the offices of local government Sole Administrators rather than designated polling stations.
Austine Nwachukwu, the state PDP chairman, expressed his outrage during a press conference in Owerri, stating, "We have today witnessed the murder of democracy."
He described the election as an "organized fraud" that constituted a severe violation of the electoral process.
Nwachukwu reported that by 4 PM on election day, there was a noticeable absence of both sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials at polling units, leaving voters frustrated and unable to cast their ballots.
He lamented that many voters returned home disillusioned after waiting for hours without any sign of the electoral process.
The party further alleged that the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) had diverted essential electoral materials to leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), rather than ensuring a fair and transparent election.
This claim follows a previous warning issued by the PDP, which raised concerns about potential election rigging by the APC government just days before the polls.
Moreover, the PDP highlighted that ISIEC failed to disclose candidate names or provide voter registers at polling stations, as required by law.
There was also a noted absence of dialogue with political parties regarding the election, which the PDP views as a stark indication of the electoral commission’s illegitimacy.
Nwachukwu criticized the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma, asserting that the government’s actions reflect a broader failure to engage with the populace.
He concluded by questioning why a government confident in its mandate would fear the ballot, stating, "They are a disgrace to democratic governance."
This strong denunciation highlights the ongoing tensions in Imo State's political landscape and raises serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process.