The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the outcome of the Anambra South senatorial by-election, claiming its candidate, Azuka Okwuosa, was held hostage during the poll.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Emmanuel Nwachukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won the election with 90,408 votes, while Okwuosa secured 19,847 votes.
Basil Ejidike, APC chairman in Anambra, alleged that Okwuosa was “held hostage” in his home by operatives of the Anambra Vigilance Group during the election.
Additionally, Ejidike accused a state government official of leading members of Agunaechemba to restrict APC candidates in Orsumenyi.
Nicholas Ukachukwu, the APC candidate in the forthcoming gubernatorial election, also questioned the authenticity of the outcome, claiming many results were still in the custody of electoral officers.
Ukachukwu expressed concern that no arrests had been made despite the state security outfit breaching the electoral process. “They know Anambra is tired of APGA and their government,” Ukachukwu said.
The APC plans to challenge the election outcome, insisting it did not reflect the will of the people.