“I’ll Retrieve My Stolen Mandate,” Imo PDP Candidate Takes Uzodinma to Court

• PDP’s Sam Anyanwu vows to reclaim “stolen mandate” in Imo State through legal means, condemning alleged electoral malpractices and irregularities
• Anyanwu accuses INEC of collusion with APC, describes the election as a “rape of democracy” and pledges commitment to Imo’s future

Sam Anyanwu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the November governorship poll in Imo State, has vowed to reclaim what he calls his “stolen mandate” through legal means. During a press briefing, Anyanwu condemned the declaration of Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC), labelling it a “rape of democracy.”

Anyanwu asserted that various electoral malpractices, including thuggery, ballot box snatching, and massive thumb printing of ballot papers marred the election. He placed blame on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the irregularities, accusing the electoral body of colluding with the APC to deprive him of victory.

The PDP candidate expressed disappointment in INEC for not upholding its promise to ensure a free, fair, and credible electoral process. He highlighted instances where the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) recorded fewer accredited voters than the votes awarded to the APC, indicating potential discrepancies.

Describing the events on November 11, 2023, as an “open rape of democracy” and a “broad daylight robbery,” Anyanwu accused the APC of declaring a “fratricidal war” against the people of Imo State.

Anyanwu also revealed the physical attacks he and his running mate, Jones Onyereri, endured on the day of the election. He claimed that while his convoy was attacked and vehicles vandalized, Onyereri narrowly escaped an attack at his home by armed individuals.

Addressing false accusations against him, including allegations of being a placeholder for the governor, Anyanwu debunked the claims and described them as desperate attempts to tarnish his campaign. Despite the challenges, he commended Imo people for genuinely voting for the PDP and rejecting financial inducements.

Anyanwu concluded by emphasizing the commitment of the PDP to delivering on its promises to the people of Imo State, expressing determination to overcome obstacles and work towards a better and safer future for the state.