IPAC IN IMO TO AVERT ANY PLAN TO PERVERT THE OUTCOME OF 2019 ELECTIONS

Ahead of next year’s general election, stakeholders in the electoral process in Imo state have resolved to stamp out vote buying and other forms of malpractices to ensure the emergence of credible leaders.

They made the resolution at a one day sensitization program on vote buying and other electoral malpractices organized by a nongovernmental organization in Owerri.

Speaking at the event, the Coordinator, Association of Town Unions in the South east, Mr. Emeka Diwe and the Chairman Inter Party Advisory Council in the State, Mr. Ben Duru said strategies were being mapped out to resist any attempt by individuals or parties to subvert the will of the people.

A Legal practitioner and resource person, Mr. Crownwell Chibuzor called on both political parties and security agents to save the society from imminent collapse by ensuring compliance to the section of the electoral act which prohibited undue influence on voters.

The Executive Director of the non governmental organization promoting good governance in the South east, Mrs. Onyeka Udegbunam urged Nigerians not to mortgage their future by collecting peanuts from politicians.

She promised that the campaign would be taken to the grassroots to sensitize the people to the need to support only credible candidates during the elections.

In a message, the Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Francis Ezeonu said measures had been taken to forestall vote buying during the polls.

Professor Ezeonu represented by INEC Public Affairs Officer in the State, Mrs. Emmanuella Opara gave an assurance that the outcome of the elections would be a true reflection of the wishes of the electorate.

The event was attended by security agencies, representatives of political parties, town union executives, civil society groups and the media.

CHINAZO ILECHUKWU