The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State has rejected the outcome of the Anambra South Senatorial District by-election held last Saturday.
The APC alleged that there were irregularities in the electoral processes by the state’s ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Dr. Emmanuel Nwachukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) the winner of the election, having polled 90,408 votes.
The Returning Officer, Professor Frank Orjiako, made the declaration at the INEC collation centre in Nnewi North Local Government Area.
The APC candidate, Azuka Okwuosa, came second with 19,847 votes, while Mr. Donald Amangbo of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) came third with 2,889 votes.
However, the APC leadership, led by its State Chairman, Basil Ejidike and governorship candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, says that it plans to challenge the results in court and urged federal authorities, including the Inspector General of Police and INEC leadership, to investigate the reported violations.
In response, APGA’s Publicity Secretary, Ejimofor Opara, dismissed the APC’s claims and maintained that the election was free and fair.
Civil society organisations and observers have called for calm and urged all stakeholders to work towards strengthening the electoral system.