Picture: Dr Okafor presenting a petition and the protesters
By Uche Chukwu Osibe
A group of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) members from Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State has protested the outcome of the party’s primary election for the forthcoming Oyi State Constituency by-election, insisting that incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Innocent Ojike, won the exercise.
The protesters staged a peaceful demonstration in Awka, carrying placards and urging Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the party leadership to restore what they described as Ojike’s mandate.
They alleged that the primary election result was altered in favour of another aspirant, Kosisochukwu Ibemesi.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Dr. Emeka Okafor claimed that results submitted to collation officials showed Ojike polling 179 votes against Ibemesi’s 45. He said a different result later emerged, raising concerns among party members.
APGA State Treasurer and Oyi stakeholder, Chief Uchenna Oraegbunam, also alleged irregularities in the alternative result and called on the party leadership to review the process. Similarly, legal practitioner Barr. Innocent Kelechi maintained that records from his ward showed Ojike emerged victorious.
Receiving the petition on behalf of Governor Soludo, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Vincent Egbuna Okechi, appealed for calm and assured the protesters that their concerns would be conveyed to the governor.
The dispute continues to generate reactions among party supporters, with stakeholders calling for a resolution ahead of the by-election.
Tags: APGA, Oyi Constituency, Innocent Ojike, Kosisochukwu Ibemesi, Oyi By-Election, Anambra Politics, Chukwuma Soludo, APGA Primary Election, Awka Protest, Anambra State Assembly.
