Princess Helen Mbakwe, the senatorial candidate for Anambra Central District representing the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP), has announced her intention to seek the cancellation of the recent senatorial elections through legal action. During a press briefing in Awka on Friday, she expressed her concerns that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deliberately blurred her party’s logo on the ballot papers, which she believes significantly impacted her supporters’ ability to vote for her party. Mbakwe emphasized that the NNPP logo was virtually non-existent on the ballots, and she condemned INEC for its poor handling of the logo’s presentation, which she claims undermined her campaign and her potential contributions to a better Nigeria.
Mbakwe stated, “I want to strongly condemn the poor presentation of my party’s logo. This act denied me the opportunity to participate in the process of serving my people. I am consulting with my lawyer and will be seeking the cancellation of the election in the senatorial district.” She further elaborated on the issue, noting that the logo, which features a “Basket of Fruits,” was blurred on the ballot papers, leading to confusion among her supporters. Many voters mistakenly cast their ballots for other parties, such as the Labour Party and the Young Progressive Party, due to the unclear representation of the NNPP logo.
Despite these challenges, Mbakwe congratulated Senator Victor Umeh on his declaration as the winner by INEC and expressed gratitude to the people of the Anambra Central senatorial zone for exercising their voting rights. “I appreciate your democratic spirit in participating in the 2023 elections. You braved it and exercised your franchise. I extend my utmost love and appreciation to all those who voted for me, especially my Abatete people for their block votes, despite the short time I had to campaign,” she said.
Mbakwe acknowledged the number of votes she received, despite the difficulties posed by the blurred logo that confused many potential voters. She also highlighted the issue of INEC officials not arriving until noon, which disenfranchised many early voters who had come out to support her. “I am still ready to serve my people because I believe strongly in the principles of the rule of law, equity, equality, fairness, and justice. My patriotism is unflinching, and my zeal to contribute to repairing my country is still alive and burning,” she added.
In closing, Mbakwe urged her supporters and all Nigerians to remain calm as the leadership of the NNPP addresses the errors made by INEC against the party.
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