January 11, (THEWILL) – The Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the Ebonyi South bye-election, Ifeanyi Eleje, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to provide a level playing field to all candidates during the election.
Eleje made the call shortly after the primary election of APGA at Amuro Town Hall, Afikpo Local Government Area.
Re-election of the senatorial position of Ebonyi South became necessary after the former governor of Ebonyi state, Senator David Umahi, resigned his seat following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu to serve as the Ministerial of Works.
Eleje was voted by 250 delegates from APGA across the five local government areas that made up Ebonyi South.
In his acceptance speech, the APGA candidate said the outcome of the primaries was a testament that the Ebonyi South constituents needed him to represent them in the Senate.
He said, “I feel happy about the outcome of today’s primaries, and it simply strengthens my belief that my people love and need me to represent them. I feel delighted that we are through with the primaries and I’m aware that this is a 100-metre race and we will see how it pans out.
“I would rather say that it should be a level playing ground for all the participants. I can’t guarantee it and I’m not in a position to say it’s going to be an equal opportunity for everybody. I do believe that as we progress in the election process, and as we mature in the electioneering process, some of the things that will work against the smooth running will naturally fall away. I’m hopeful that when the people speak clearly, it’s more difficult to alter the outcome and I’m hoping that people will speak clearly.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, who also doubled as the Returning Officer of the party, Chief Chukwudi Nwankwo, declaring Eleje winner, said the process was credible and devoid of any form of irregularities.
According to him, the Electoral Committee, which comprised five members namely Nwankwo, Chairman; Hon. Ken Okeh, Secretary; Mr. Einstein Ogbonnaya; Bikisu Aliyu Bondinga; and Comrade Caleb Akingbade as members, duly followed the party and INEC guidelines and returned the candidate through a voice vote since he was the only aspirant in the contest.
He said, “We are here at Amuro Mgbo Hall to do our ward Congress and primaries to elect the person that will fly our flag in the forthcoming senatorial re-run in the Ebonyi South Zone, and this has been done successfully.
“We have returned Ifeanyi Eleje as the flag-bearer of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, as he was the only aspirant who showed interest to run and he has just emerged as a winner in the primaries. It was on the basis of voice votes since there was no other aspirant. We accredited our members and delegates.
“About 250 delegates were accredited and they all gave him their support through a voice vote because there was no counter-view and opposition. This is allowed since there was no other aspirant contesting the ticket with Ifeanyi Eleje. Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission were here from Abuja and Ebony State. So, it was a credible process and we followed the party guidelines and that of the INEC.”
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