PDP Candidate in Abia State, Igwe Akuma Akwu, Expresses Concerns Over Safety Amid Local Government Elections
Akuma Akwu, the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate for the Okamu Ward councilorship in Abia State’s Ohafia Local Government Area, is worried about his safety after the November 2 local government elections.
Akwa maintains that he won the election convincingly, but he claims that his victory has been usurped. His concerns stem from an armed invasion of his residence by unknown individuals on election day, which resulted in the assault of two of his cousins and polling agents. He has called for justice in this matter.
Akwa has publicly challenged Abia State’s Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, to address his involvement in this unfortunate situation.
Akwa has demanded protection from security forces as he continues to live in fear. However, Deputy Governor Emetu has categorically denied any involvement in the alleged attack, describing Akwa’s accusations as unfounded and aimed at gaining attention.
Emetu’s Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Eke Mba, dismissed the allegations, saying that Akwa is not a significant figure to be the subject of envy, and that the PDP is already dead in Abia State.
Akwa remains steadfast in his claims, calling for an investigation into the Deputy Governor’s possible involvement. In a statement, he recounted the events of election day, revealing that his residence was invaded at 3:25 am, and he was forced to remain in his bathroom until daybreak due to the intimidation.
Akwa also alleged that the Deputy Governor, accompanied by Zenith Labour Party candidate Ige Kalu Ige, searched for him and arrested four of his polling unit agents. Despite the intimidation, Akwa insisted that the people of Okamu Ward voted overwhelmingly in his favor, and that his victory was declared by the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) officials.
Akwa’s statement concluded by appealing to the relevant authorities to investigate the matter and ensure his safety, as his life is in danger.
Despite efforts to frustrate his election, Akwa claimed that the people of Okamu Ward voted overwhelmingly in his favor, as documented by ABSIEC officials on video record. Akwa urged his followers to remain calm and appealed to security agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly.
ABSIEC’s Response to Akwu’s Claims
ABSIEC has refuted Akwa’s claims regarding his victory in the election, urging him to provide evidence to support his statements.
Dr. Kelechi Okere, the Commissioner responsible for Information, Voter Education, Training, and Publicity, stated that the candidate is expected to validate his statements with concrete proof, such as the result sheet and certificate of declaration.
An Investigation Police Officer (IPO) in charge of the matter revealed that four persons were arrested in Akwa’s house by another security agency and brought to Ohafia Police Station, allegedly for defaming the Deputy Governor’s character on social media.
