The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of electoral manipulation by preventing its agents from participating in the Ebonyi South Bye-election taking place on Saturday.
The allegations were made by the NNPP Chieftain, Chief Nwaeze Onun, who disclosed the information to newsmen through a telephone conversation.
According to him, he remained at the INEC office in Abakaliki until 9 p.m. on Friday before receiving information that the party lacked an identification card.
Refuting the allegations, the Head of the Voter Education and Publicity Department at the State INEC, Dr Christian Elekwa, debunked the NNPP Chairman’s claim, saying all parties were carried along during the electoral procedure.
The state senatorial seat became vacant following the resignation of Sen. David Umahi, who stepped down to assume the position of Minister of Works.
Umahi’s seat was declared vacant by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, prompting for bye-election on February 3rd.