APC New Media Directorate Alleges Electoral Manipulation in Ikpoba-Okha, Calls for Urgent Investigation

APC New Media Directorate Alleges Electoral Manipulation in Ikpoba-Okha, Calls for Urgent Investigation

The APC New Media Directorate has raised alarm over alleged electoral malpractice in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, accusing some INEC officials of colluding with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to undermine the integrity of the upcoming election.

According to a press release from the APC New Media Directorate, a video has surfaced showing women from Ward 5 in Ikpoba-Okha reporting that INEC officials were distributing voter cards to individuals who were not the rightful owners. The legitimate cardholders, upon arriving to collect their cards, discovered that their cards were missing, leading to concerns about the fairness of the electoral process.

The Directorate further alleges that INEC staff requested financial assistance from party agents, citing insufficient funds provided by INEC to cover their transportation costs. Despite receiving ₦90,000 from the three major parties, the funds were quickly exhausted, prompting further unethical practices. The Directorate claims that a PDP agent covertly offered additional money to INEC staff, resulting in the illegal distribution of voter cards directly to PDP agents.

In a significant claim, the APC New Media Directorate has linked the PDP’s deputy governorship candidate, Osarodion Ogie, who is from Ikpoba-Okha, to these alleged manipulations, although this has not been independently confirmed.

The APC New Media Directorate is calling on the National Chairman of INEC, the Inspector General of Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to launch an immediate investigation into these allegations. They urge these bodies to act swiftly to protect the democratic rights of Edo citizens and ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.