Enugu North by-election: PDP candidate Ezeme votes, alleges violence, voter suppression

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the Enugu North Senatorial by-election, Dr. Nestor Ezeme, has expressed concern over reports of electoral violence and the late arrival of election materials in parts of the district, describing the situation as a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise voters.

Ezeme spoke shortly after casting his vote at about 11:45 a.m. at his Umundu polling unit on Saturday.

He lamented that voting commenced late in several areas, noting that some polling units in his strongholds had yet to receive election materials as of noon.

“The delay in the process is alarming, very alarming. Voting started here at about 11 a.m. Where I am coming from, Inland Primary School 2, as of 11:47 a.m., there were still no materials there. The same situation exists at the health centre in Ogwu Obollo. These are my catchment areas,” he said.

The PDP candidate alleged that hoodlums disrupted the electoral process in parts of Obollo Afor, claiming that election materials were carted away.

“At Ogwu Obollo, hoodlums came and carted away the election materials. Because they are not popular, they want to disrupt the system. But God will vindicate us,” he alleged.

Despite the challenges, Ezeme expressed confidence in his chances at the poll, insisting that voters remained determined to support his candidacy.

“Victory will be assured. I am certain that we will win. This is a deliberate and calculated attempt to disenfranchise my people,” he said.

He particularly decried the situation at Inland Primary School 2, which he described as the polling unit with the largest voter population in the ward.

“Voters have been waiting there since 7 a.m., and by almost noon, there were still no materials, no INEC officials and no police presence. It is appalling, and we condemn it entirely,” Ezeme stated.

The allegations came amid reports of logistical challenges and delayed commencement of voting in some parts of the Enugu North Senatorial District during the by-election.