Despite its declaration that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was the winner of the governorship election in Rivers State after the final collation of results, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it would conduct supplementary election in four Registration Areas next week Saturday in the state.
No reason was given for the fresh exercise but the statement signed by Festus Okoye, Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee gave the areas as Gokana, Opobo/Nkoro, Ahoada West and Abua/Odual.
It also announced a Committee to look at issues arising from election into the Imo North senatorial district won by the outgoing state governor, Rochas Okorocha.
The statement further disclosed that “The Committee is to ascertain the veracity or otherwise of allegations of misconduct and the election. It is also to advise the Commission on whether its procedures were complied with by officials.
The Committee is to submit its report on Wednesday 10th April 2019. “
Findings revealed that the electoral umpire and the embattled Imo governor have been engaged in a battle of wits over the latter Certificate of Return.
INEC Returning Officer for the Imo West senatorial election, Professor Innocent Ibeawuchi, had alleged that he was forced to declare Governor Rochas Okorocha the winner of the poll by the supporters of the All Progressives Congress candidate.
Ibeawuchi had told newsmen in Owerri, Imo state capital, that he was held hostage by supporters of Governor Okorocha and because he feared for his life he had to announce Governor Okorocha the winner of the election which he claimed was inconclusive, because of the electoral fraud in eight local councils.