The Coalition of Youths for the Defence of Igboland, Wednesday trooped to the streets to protest the outcome of March 28, 2015, National Assembly elections in Anambra State, which they alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the state was compromised.
The youths, who assembled at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, where they were addressed by their leaders, later marched round Awka metropolis before heading to Onitsha, Ekwulobia, Agulu and finally to the home of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in Nnewi.
But in a swift reaction to the protest, former governor of the state, Mr. Peter Obi, said it was unfortunate that the state government had formed the habit of linking everything happening in the state with him.
According to the protesting youths, the rigging was masterminded by some prominent Igbo politicians.
They added that despite the decision of the voters to reject the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, INEC returning officers were used to upturn the results in favour of the party.
Among their demands include a call on chairman of INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, to redeploy the Anambra REC before Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly election, as well as ensure free and fair state assembly polls in the state.
Their spokesman, Mr. Uchenna Madu, said the group had vowed to resist any attempt to rig the election in the state, stressing that they were battle ready to defend and protect votes cast by the people in all the wards in the state on Saturday.
He said: “We shall never tolerate any plan, agenda or gang up that will disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in Anambra State on Saturday and beyond.
‘’We, the youths, also warn some students, motor park touts and cultists usually used as political thugs by some Anambra politicians as instruments of election rigging and manipulation, to desist from doing so during the House of Assembly election.
“The election coming up on Saturday must be free and fair so that the people’s wish and votes should count and we believe that the people will do this for the sake of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.”
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