Ikemba Front Will Respect Ukachukwu’s Decision On Anambra Poll Outcome—Awogu
Chief Arinzechukwu Awogu, National Coordinator of Ikemba Front, the flagship political support structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra, says the group will abide by the decisions of Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu, candidate of the party on the outcome of the Nov. 8 governorship election.
Awogu said who spoke after a meeting at the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja during the weekend that only Ukachukwu could decide if he would contest alleged irregularities which marred the election in court.
Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the incumbent, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance winner with a total of 422,664 votes, while Ukachukwu finished second with with 99,445 votes.
Paul Chukwuma of Young Progressives Party was third with 37,753 while Chief George Moghalu of the Labour Party and Mr John Nwosu of African Democratic Congress were third and fifth respectively.
Awogu who also doubles as the Director of Administration of APC in Anambra said further actions of the group would be determined by whatever be the choice of the candidate adding that he believed it would be borne out of deep reflection and rigorous analysis.
He reiterated his position that some alleged irregularities such as vote-buying, falsification of figures and questionable collation procedures, marred the election.
“The decision whether or not to approach the tribunal would not be a capitulation to injustice but a resolute stand against a flawed system.
“The stark reality we face is this: Nigeria’s electoral adjudication framework has become a labyrinth where justice is often lost to technicalities.
“Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu will always commit himself to the arduous but necessary task of systemic reform and his mandate transcends the confines of a courtroom; it is a battle for the survival of the very soul of our democracy.
“The burden of proof placed on petitioners is not just high; it is often insurmountable.
“The custodianship of crucial electoral materials by INEC, which is itself a necessary party and defendant in election petitions, presents practical challenges in building a compelling case within stipulated time frames,” he said.
Awogu said Ukachukwu’s decision would not just be on the outcome of a single election but about the very foundations of our democratic process which he said is on a decline.
Awogu, a former Ogbaru Local Government Council Chairman, called for the strengthening of the party, APC, in Anambra and encouraging its loyal members with national slots for the party and national political placements.
