Delta APC Protests, Boycotts LGA Elections In Warri South, Ughelli North__Says PDP Dominated DSIEC Can’t Conduct Credible Election -

By Blessing Ebareotu

Citing anomalies and prejudice by the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Warri South Local Government Area has opted out of the LGA election.

The decision was made public by APC Chairman in Warri South, Mr. Mario Owumi, who declared, “We are not violent, we don’t want to break any laws.” We are expressing our unhappiness with the DSIEC loudly and calmly through our protests. They have once again let themselves down and are reckless.

Owumi claimed that PDP members were visible within the council, the DSIEC refused them access to election materials, and the PDP agent did not appear.

“We know that the council belongs to us because we paid for its construction,” he continued. The government will be impacted by whatever we do here today, and we don’t want a catastrophe in our nation.

The APC’s Austin Oribioye, the senatorial chairman for Delta South, also criticized the election process, stating: “It’s unfortunate that a state like Delta State lacks resources. Delta State is a complete mess. It’s a charade because of the politics we play here, which prevents equity and justice from flourishing.

The Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) is not trusted to hold a free and fair poll, according to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ughelli North, Delta State, which has also withdrawn from the local government elections.

The party claimed that all board members are PDP card holders, rendering them unable to be impartial, and that DSIEC hired PDP members as temporary employees.

In a statement, the APC Ughelli North Secretary, Barr. (Mrs.) Beauty Ubogun-Nze, and Chairman, Hon. Obakpororo Onoabedje, stated that “We believe that free and fair elections are integral to democratic processes.” But this is only feasible in environments where there is faith and confidence in the electoral process and its officials, which we don’t think the DSIEC possesses.

Additionally, the party claimed that the governor and PDP officials had compromised the DSIEC’s independence, making it difficult for the commission to oversee a legitimate election.