By Adadareporters
As the Nov 11 governorship poll in Imo State approaches, Eastern Union says the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct credible elections during the 2023 general elections might mar the Imo election.
EU’s national president, Charles Anike, told our correspodent that the verdict of the Supreme Court in petitions against President Bola Tinubu’s election would also negatively affect the morale of the electorate.
In his words, “Imo State is among the states that are victims of political bandits and guy men. If only INEC does not continue in its old ways, we anticipate free and fair election, but we are very doubtful. Otherwise the November 11 governorship election would have been another opportunity for the Imolites to right the wrongs done on them by our reckless government institutions.
“From the feelers we are getting, there are most likely to be very low turnout of voters due to some obvious underlining factors, especially insecurity that associates the criminal activities of unknown gunmen; also the Biafra agitators, coupled with heavy militarization of the state and its environs.
“Then again is the general lack of trust in INEC. The declaration of Bola Tinubu the winner of the 2023 presidential election is a wound that will take decades to heal in the hearts of Nigerians, especially the youths. That the same INEC which still parades Prof Mahmood as its chairman will conduct the election raises doubts in the minds of the people.
“Nigerian citizens have completely lost faith, hope and confidence in the sincerity of INEC to conduct anything near credible poll, especially as it still remains under the same leadership. Therefore, from the feelers, we’re most likely to witness the highest level of voter apathy ever.”
He however advised Ndi Imo to exercise their franchise to elect the best of the candidates, adding that, “The Hope Uzodimma reign as governor of Imo State is not anything different from that of his predecessor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha. The successive governments were and still characterized by insincerity, propaganda, and lack of genuine love for the people.
“The performance of Uzodimma clearly confirms the popular saying that no bad tree can bear good fruits. And we can tell you that no honest Nigerian ever expected anything good from the governor due largely to the manner he emerged as governor. His abysmal performance is therefore not a surprise to serious minds.
“However, we are looking forward to the Supreme Court reviewing its previous judgment on the 2019 governorship election.”
