The Labour Party in Imo State has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of denying its candidate, Athan Achonu, access to certified true copies of documents used in the concluded election, as mandated by law.
In a statement released on Saturday and signed by Chibuikem Diala, the Director of Media and Publicity for Senator Athan Achonu Campaign Organisation, the opposition party made the damning allegation.
“We have been made aware of deliberate attempts by the Imo State INEC, under Prof. Sylvia Agu, to obstruct our legal team from obtaining certified true copies of documents used in the November 11 governorship election in Imo State, as required by law,” the statement read.
The Imo LP further expressed concern over the delay tactics, raising the alarm to the national chairman of INEC and the security agencies, and calling for immediate action to ensure justice for their party and the Labour Party candidate.
“It is imperative to draw attention to the fact that our solicitors made an official request to the State INEC Office, which was duly acknowledged and received on November 15, 2023,” the statement continued.
Questioning INEC’s delay in releasing the requested materials, the statement highlighted the efficiency with which the election results were announced versus the lengthy delay in issuing the supporting documents.
“If INEC has nothing to conceal and is committed to fairness, why then stall the release of the certified true copies of the requested materials?”
“While we await INEC’s prompt action, we also assure the caretaker governor in Imo State to savor his “Certificate of Return” momentarily, as it will soon be relinquished to the rightful owner.”
