On Sunday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the results of 10 local government areas in Abia of Saturday’s governorship poll with Labour Party flag bearer Alex Otti in a clear lead.
The state returning officer, Nnenna Oti, announced the results from 10 LGAs at the heavily guarded state INEC collation centre in Umuahia before adjourning collation until Monday.
Of the 10 LGAs, Labour Party polled 65,968 votes, while its closest rival, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 53,042 votes.
The LGAs include Ukwa East: LP 2273; PDP 2329, Ukwa West: LP 2833; PDP 4622, Bende: LP 9886; PDP 3410, Isialangwa North: LP 7323; PDP 21,741. Others are Isialangwa South: LP 7589; PDP 9093; Arochukwu: LP 12,689; PDP 1,280, Ugwunagbo: LP 2,153; PDP 2,538, Isuikwuato: LP 8228; PDP 2204, Ikwuano: LP 7054; PDP 2,427 and Umunneochi: LP 5940; PDP 3,198.
The returning officer stated that all the results would be reviewed and determined against the backdrop of alleged infractions, including the outbreak of violence, snatching ballot boxes with the papers and manhandling of INEC officials in some council areas, in line with the Electoral Act.
There were allegations and counter-allegations of infractions, especially by the collation agents of the Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party, Messrs Acho Obioma and Charles Esonu, respectively.
Meanwhile, the headquarters of INEC, in a tweet on Sunday afternoon, said, “Thugs have invaded our Obingwa local government area office in Abia state. Security agencies have been alerted. The commission is monitoring the situation and will issue a statement shortly.”
Results from the remaining seven LGAs, including Obingwa, had not been brought to the collation centre at the time of the adjournment.