Hon. Igwe Akuma Akwu, a counsellorship candidate representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Okamu Ward in Abia State, recently expressed concern for his safety following an alleged incident on the morning of the November 2 local government election. Akwu claims that unidentified security personnel broke into his home and assaulted two of his cousins and his polling agents.
Akwu also asserts that he won the election by a large margin but alleges his mandate was wrongfully taken. He has openly requested the Abia State Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, to clarify his involvement in the situation, suggesting a possible link to the election interference.
The Deputy Governor, through his spokesperson, has strongly denied any involvement in the invasion, dismissing Akwu’s allegations as an attempt to gain public attention. In response, Akwu has called for a thorough investigation to uncover any misconduct, urging security agencies to intervene to ensure his safety.
”How can the Deputy Governor descend so low to such a person? After all, PDP is already dead in Abia. He just wants people to notice him. These days if somebody wants to make headline he will call the name of the Deputy Governor just to draw attention. All the allegations are false”, he said.
Additionally, the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) responded to Akwu’s victory claims, challenging him to provide evidence to substantiate his allegations of winning the election. The electoral body stated they were unaware of his supposed win.
The statement read: ”I’m Hon. Igwe Akuma Akwu of the People’s Democratic Party PDP and the legitimate winner of the just concluded Councillorship election in Okamu Ward, Ohafia LGA of Abia State.
“On 2 November 2024, the election day, at around 3:25 am, some unidentified personnel invaded my house accompanied by two of my cousins who were thoroughly beaten up as they were forced to show them my house to whisk me away to an unknown location.
“Fortunately, I was in the restroom and the only option I had was to remain there till daybreak. As if the intimidation wasn’t enough, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, came in person to Okon Aku Ohafia in company of Zenith Labour Party ZLP candidate , Ige Kalu Ige searching for me.
“In spite of the Deputy Governor’s intimidation and arrest of four of my polling unit agents; Okamu people came in their numbers and voted me and I was declared winner of the election by ABSIEC officials.
“As a law-abiding citizen who has no criminal issues with the law enforcement agents or the Deputy Governor, I wonder why he wants my life.
“Based on his threats and intimidation, my life is in danger and I now live in fear and my constitutional guaranteed right of freedom is in total jeopardy.
“The Deputy Governor’s motive on the election day remains unknown to me but perhaps my popularity in Okamu Ward. I call on the relevant authorities to investigate this incident and ensure my safety.”
The statement further read: ”Despite efforts to frustrate my election, the people of Okamu Ward voted overwhelming for me, as affirmed and declared by the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission ABSIEC supervisors on video record.
“ABSIEC declared his boy, Ige Kalu Ige, of the Zenith Labour Party the winner of the election and handed him the certificate of return contrary to the wishes and mandates of Okamu people.
“My concern now is not the election daylight robbery of my mandate but my life that is being threatened.”
He, however, urged his followers to remain calm while appealing to security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter.
“To the people of Okamu Ward, I urge you to Keep hope alive; since there’s life, there’s hope”.
Efforts to contact the state police on the matter remain ongoing, with limited responses so far.
”He should know that this is election and not selection. If he was declared winner, let him produce the result sheet and certificate of declaration. He should have evidence.”When reminded of a viral video where the Ward result was allegedly being declared, he said he was not aware.
Akwu, however, has urged his followers to remain calm and assured them that he is actively seeking justice through the appropriate channels.
”They said they are going to court. We have prepared the files. Any time they want to go to court, we will arraign them but if they want to settle, that’s okay”.
