There is palpable tension Saturday, March 18 in Aba, the commercial city of Abia state arising from allegation of a plot to rig the governorship and House of Assembly polls by the People’s Democratic Party in Abia state. New Express, gathered that the PDP allegedly housed INEC’s Adhoc staff for the election exercise in the state with a plot to compromise the officials. It was further gathered that operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) were alerted and swiftly moved to the area around Abia Polytechnic and halted the plan. A text message indicting the PDP has been sighted by News Express. However, APGA has warned all INEC officials against manipulating the results and other untoward practices that can compromise the integrity of the outcome of the polls. APGA accused the PDP of desperation and interested in selfish desires than in the peace and free exercise.

The party said its candidates are leaving nothing to chance as they are pressing for a level playing field for the exercise across the state.

The party also called on security agencies to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for all eligible voters to exercise their franchise.

The party also enjoined the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure all election materials arrive at the various polling units timeously and that election commences promptly to avoid violence.

The gubernatorial candidate of APGA, Prof Gregory Ibe who granted an interview to journalists was quoted as saying, “PDP are making attempts to cart away with election materials in Obingwa LGA of the state”. Also, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe alerted saying, “In some places in Obingwa they no longer bother about BVAS.” A Chieftain of APGA and Senate Chief Whip who was re-elected in the February 25 election, Abaribe continues, “They’re just doing vote buying and thumb printing. I’ve alerted the EO so those results that don’t match the BVAS MUST be cancelled.” He stated specifically, the incident happened at Wards 7, 8 and 10 in Obingwa East.

Efforts to speak with the PDP officials were fruitless as at press time.

Meanwhile, it was learnt that at Ukwa East, vote trading was observed while in Aba North, shortage of electoral materials was recorded. At Central School, Obohia, in Unit 006 and 007, shortage of ballot papers was recorded. It was further learnt that due to incomplete voting materials the exercise could not commence on time. News Express reports that in UNIT19, Ekwereazu Hall, St Eugenes Ward 5 Aba North out of about 900 accredited voters, materials for only 200 voters were made available by INEC officials resulting to delayed starting of voting. But in Ohafia, voter apathy was recorded, News Express can report.

Update news