The President General election in Ikem Ivite Nando, Anambra East Local Government Area, has stirred controversy as one of the candidates, Mr. Abuchi Nwakama, rejected the results announced by the electoral committee, alleging irregularities in the process.
The election, held amidst heightened tensions, turned chaotic during the screening process. Security operatives deployed teargas to disperse unruly crowds following heated altercations between supporters of the candidates.
Official results declared Mr. Sunday Obinze as the winner with 601 votes, while Mr. Nwakama secured 557 votes.
Speaking to ABS after the announcement, Mr. Nwakama dismissed the election as neither free nor fair, citing a lack of transparency in the vote-counting process and alleging compromises by the electoral committee. He called on authorities and community stakeholders to review the election, urging his supporters to remain calm while the matter is addressed.
In contrast, Mr. Obinze expressed satisfaction with the outcome, commending the competitiveness of the process. He pledged to prioritize unity and inclusivity, vowing to work with all parties to advance the development of Ikem Ivite Nando.
The election was initially scheduled for December 31, 2024, but disruptions by supporters forced its postponement. The recent developments have deepened divisions within the community, with calls for a thorough review of the electoral process to restore trust among stakeholders.
