The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Imo State, Austin Nwachukwu, has vehemently criticized the recent local government elections, labeling them a “murder of democracy”.
At a press briefing in Owerri, Nwachukwu alleged widespread irregularities, including elections conducted in hotel rooms and offices of Sole Administrators, rather than polling units, according to Daily Post.
He insisted that the electoral process was bereft of democratic tenets, adding that “electoral materials and ISIEC staff were noticeably absent by 4 pm on election day.
Nwachukwu accused the Imo State Electoral Commission of complicity, claiming they favored the ruling All Progressives Congress by providing electoral materials exclusively to them.
The PDP Chairman also highlighted the commission’s failure to release candidates’ lists and publish voters’ registers before the polls, contravening electoral guidelines.
Nwachukwu expressed disappointment and concern over the commission’s actions, citing a significant failure to uphold democratic values under Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration.
“The purported local government elections in the State are nothing to write home about as it was a show of shame, an organized fraud and unprecedented rape of democracy.
“Many frustrated voters returned home after hours of waiting, still they were unable to vote,” he asserted.
