Ahead of the forthcoming general elections, a civil society organisation, “Selfless Project’’ has concluded its opinion poll in Isiukwuato, Ummuneochi, Bende, Arochukwu and Ohafia local government areas of Abia state.
According to information gathered from its research, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Dr. Orji Kalu had the highest score of 55% followed by the candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief David Onuoha, who scored 25% while the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) got 20%. Disclosing the criteria used in arriving at the figures, the coordinator of the research group, Mr. Daniel Agwu, stressed that data were sourced through interviews, questionnaire and other channels.
He said, “ the APC candidate’s general acceptability across Abia North senatorial zone is remarkable. Most of the people could not hide their love for Kalu as they recalled his achievements as governor including free education, free medical scheme and sports development, which resulted in victory of Enyimba FC at CAF Champions League).
“Considering the fact that the former governor, who is a member of the ruling party at the federal, has access to federal machinery and coupled with his political followership at the grassroots, Kalu has bright chances to win the election.
“The APGA candidate has massive support in his homestead, Abariba but that alone cannot give him victory. Ohuabunwa is not popular because he has failed to deliver dividends of democracy to his constituents and coupled with the unpopular policies of the PDP led Abia state government, Abians are wary of PDP candidates across the state”.
While assuring election observers and other stakeholders of their co-operation in ensuring a credible poll in Abia state, the coordinator urged the electorate to vote for candidates with pedigree and good antecedents for the sake of democracy. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure a free, fair and credible general election.
According to the secretary of the APC in Abia state, Barrister Perfect Okorie, top chieftains of the People’s Democratic Party (APC) in the state have been boosting of their personal relationship with the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC, in Abia state, Mr. Joseph Ilo. The scribe, while urging political parties not to manipulate the electoral process, admonished the electorate to be vigilant, adding that the era of rigging and violence was over in Abia state.
Speaking with stakeholders of the party in Igbere on Friday, Okorie, stressed that APC will come out victorious in the forthcoming elections. While advising the REC in Abia state to stay clear of any political party, the Secretary cautioned stakeholders against violating the tenets of democracy , adding that the PDP’s antics of vote-buying and rigging will be vehemently resisted by voters.