After firing shots to scare voters away, the PDP supporters began to thumb-print ballots in Polling Units 009, 010 and 011 at Oniong West Ward 1, Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission colluding with supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party in the area to rig the presidential and national assembly election in favour of the party.
The ugly incident happened in the village square – Ikot Eko Ibon village – within the full glare of the villagers.
Former Secretary to the Federal Government, Obong Ufot Ekaette and wife, Eme Ekaette, a former senator, are from the area.
But they did not show up for voting on Saturday. Some of those who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES in the area said the Ekaettes may have stayed away from voting because of their disappointment with the PDP and Governor Godswill Akpabio’s leadership style.
INEC officials were through with voters’ accreditation as early as 1:30PM in the three units, but refused to commence voting until some PDP chieftains arrived around 4pm.
The PDP chieftains, who apparently were working in agreement with the INEC officials in the units, immediately ordered all the voters to move away from the polling centre.
In the midst of the confusion that ensued, gunshot was fired within the polling centre, prompting the voters who were mostly old men and women from the village to run away to safety.
The PDP supporters then had a field day thumb-printing ballot papers, under the supervision of INEC officials.
Security officials were not deployed in the three units. It is unclear if it is deliberate to allow the PDP supporters execute their plans without molestation.
Security officials were not deployed in the three units. It is unclear if it is deliberate to allow the PDP supporters execute their plans without molestation.
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