Akwa Ibom Governorship Election: YPP Accuses INEC and PDP of Rigging Scheme

Akwa Ibom's governorship election on March 18 saw the Young Progressives Party (YPP) accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) of a well-orchestrated rigging scheme. The YPP's state secretary, Kelvin Umoh, alleged that the election was marred by widespread intimidation, violence, and pre-written results in favor of PDP's Umo Eno, who secured 354,348 votes to win the election. The YPP's candidate, Bassey Albert, came second with 136,262 votes. The PDP has denied allegations of rigging, claiming that the vote was free and fair.

Key Takeaways:

• The YPP has accused INEC and the PDP of conniving to rig the governorship election in favor of Umo Eno, the PDP candidate.
• The YPP alleged that four of its members were killed during the election, while the PDP's spokesperson, Chris Abasieyo, denied any involvement in rigging.
• INEC's spokesperson, Festus Okoye, failed to respond to comment on allegations of rigging against the commission.
• The YPP's candidate, Bassey Albert, secured 136,262 votes, while PDP's Umo Eno won in 29 out of the 31 local government areas with 354,348 votes.
• The PDP's spokesperson claimed that the margin of defeat was too wide for the YPP to have been cheated.
• The YPP alleged that PDP's thugs, dressed in police and military uniforms, intimidated and maimed their supporters in various local government areas.

Statistics:

• The YPP's Bassey Albert secured 136,262 votes in the governorship election.
• The PDP's Umo Eno won 354,348 votes to secure the election.
• The APC's Akanimo Udofia came third with 129,602 votes.
• 4 YPP members were allegedly killed during the election.

Sources:

• The statement by Kelvin Umoh, the YPP's state secretary.
• The interview with Chris Abasieyo, the PDP's spokesperson.
• The INEC's alleged failure to comment on rigging allegations.
• News articles from PREMIUM TIMES about the election.