Abia PDP angry at legal wranglings in LP, challenges governorship election in court

The Peoples Democratic Party in Abia State has decided to challenge the results of the Abia governorship election in court, especially in the six local government areas where the BIVAS machines were not used.

A statement on Tuesday by the Abia PDP Vice Chairman/acting State Publicity Secretary, Elder Abraham Amah said the PDP arrived at the decision after that party’s State Working Committee and the enlarged State Executive Committee met on Tuesday and reviewed the results after collecting all the materials used in the conduct of the governorship and the state assembly elections.

He further explained that the decision was also arrived at with the members of Labour Party taking their own candidates who won elections to court, “despite the honest and wise advice and appeal of the Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, that the winners of the elections, including the governor-elect, Alex Otti, should be spared the burden of litigation which only serves to distract public officers from performing their duties and responsibilities.

The statement added, “The Abia PDP is shocked to note that at a time when it is making arrangements for a seamless and peaceful transition for the new government, it is the same Labour Party that was declared the winner that is trying to torpedo the process.

“Subsequently, the Legal Department of Abia PDP will release details of its petitions in the next 24 hours and head to the Election Petitions Tribunal to challenge the declaration of Alex Otti of the Labour Party as the winner of the March 18, 2023 governorship election.

“We call on the good people of Abia to remain calm, peaceful and steadfast as we work to reclaim our mandate.”