The Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) has announced the results of last Saturday’s local government election with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinching all the chairmanship seats in the 25 council areas.
However, members of opposition parties in the state have expressed disappointment in the local government elections, calling for the cancellation of the process.
Meanwhile, the ruling party in the state also won 499 councilorship seats in 500 wards leaving one to the Allied People’s Movement (APM) in the Aniocha North local government area.
Announcing the results in Asaba on Sunday Chairman of the commission, Dr Jerry Agbaike, described the election as peaceful, credible, free and fair, commending the security agencies, the media, observers and ad-hoc personnel for their roles in ensuring the smooth conduct of the polls.
Agbaike gave the list of the winners for the chairmanship seats as follows – Emmanuel Bazim (Aniocha North) Jude Chukwunkwike (Aniocha South) Dagidi Andaye (Bomadi) Julius Takeme (Burutu) Augustine Ogedegbe (Ethiope East) and Christian Onogba (Ethiope West)
Others are Monday Odinigwe (lka North East) Jerry Ehiwarior (Ika South) Godwin Ogorugba (Isoko North) Warri Ovoke Friday (Isoko South) Vincent Osilonya (Ndokwa East) Obi Nzete Ndokwa West) Isaiah Esiovwa (Okpe) Innocent Esewezie (Oshimili North) and Obi Kelvin Ezenyili, (Oshimili South).
Also elected are Isaac Aguanah (Patani) Bright Abeke, (Sapele) Vincent Oyibode (Udu) Jaro Egbo, (Ughelli North) Lucky Avweromre (Ughelli South) Possible Ajede (Ukwuani) Anthony Ofoni (Uvwie) Festus Ashima (Warri North) Weyinmi Agbateyiniro (Warri South) and Sylvester Oromoni (Warri South West.
The electoral body, on Sunday, presented certificates of return to the chairmen-elect and their vice chairmen-elect at the commission’s headquarters in Asaba.
However, allegations of rigging have continued to trail the election as opposition parties called for outright cancellation of the polls.
Senator Ede Dafinone (APC), representing Delta Central in the National Assembly, described the council polls as a complete sham.
According to him, “It’s very unfortunate that people at the grassroots level are prevented from participating in our democratic process by state governors to freely elect their councillors and council chairmen.
“It is very unfortunate and sad how low our people can go to acquire power. It’s even more troubling that after 25 years in our democratic experiment, we can’t conduct what looks like an election at the local government level.
“What took place in Delta State on Saturday to all intent and purpose can’t be classified as an election. It’s a complete sham and an affront on all known democratic ideals.”
Labour Party chairmanship candidate for Aniocha North, Dr Augustine Isikwei Ojogbo, expressed disappointment, saying there was disregard for democracy during the election in his area.
“It is clear that this election was marred by significant flaws, including late arrival of voting materials, votes buying, double voting, stuffing of ballot boxes, intimidation, illegal voting in non-designated places and compromised electoral officers who are mostly PDP card-carrying members.
“As a candidate who dedicated my time and effort to serving the people of this community, I cannot, in good conscience, accept the results of an election that was conducted in such a fraudulent manner.”
. TheWitness