The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP) in Abia State are embroiled in a war of words over allegations of a plan to disrupt the collation of election results at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation centre in Bende. The APC accused the Labour Party of planning to disrupt the collation process and set the Bende Local Government headquarters ablaze. This development has raised concerns about the security of the electoral process in the state.
According to the APC, the Labour Party, anticipating defeat in the 2027 election, had written a petition to INEC purportedly originating from the APC. The petition allegedly requested the relocation of the Bende Collation Centre to Umuahia or an open central school in Bende town, citing an alleged plan to burn the Bende Local Government headquarters. The APC described the petition as fake and unfounded, urging INEC to disregard it.
The APC also called on security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Inspector-General of Police, and the Abia State Commissioner of Police, to investigate the origin of the petition and take steps to safeguard the collation centre. The party alleged that the purported petition was part of an attempt to create confusion and disrupt the electoral process in Bende.
The Labour Party rejected the APC's claims, accusing the ruling party of deliberately creating tension through false alarm. In a statement, the LP accused the APC of "deliberately inciting hatred, brewing bad blood and manufacturing false alarm" capable of disturbing peaceful coexistence in the state. The party further alleged that the APC resorted to the claims after the failure of its "clannish incitement strategy."
The LP maintained that the allegation was an attempt to portray it as a threat to the electoral process and create unnecessary tension ahead of the 2027 elections. The party said it remained committed to a peaceful and credible electoral process. The exchange between the two parties has raised concerns about the potential for violence and disruption in the state during the elections.
The development has also highlighted the need for INEC and security agencies to be vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent any potential disruptions to the electoral process. The 2027 general elections are expected to be a major test of the country's democratic institutions, and any attempts to disrupt the process could have significant consequences.
The situation in Abia State is being closely monitored by stakeholders, who are calling for calm and restraint from all parties involved. The APC and Labour Party have been urged to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve their differences and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
Key points
- The APC and Labour Party in Abia State have traded allegations of a plot to disrupt the collation of election results at the INEC centre in Bende.
- The Labour Party has rejected the APC's claims, accusing the ruling party of deliberately creating tension through false alarm.
- The exchange has raised concerns about the potential for violence and disruption in the state during the 2027 elections.
