March 27, (THEWILL) – The governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in this year’s elections, Professor Sandy Onor, has formally rejected the outcome of the governorship elections.
Professor Onor said having reviewed the entire exercise, he will seek legal redress because the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, frustrated the will of majority of the people.
Professor Onor, who represents the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State in the National Assembly, made his position known in a press statement issued in Calabar, in the aftermath of the elections.
Professor Onor in his statement said, “We are all aware that the said election was marred by a plethora of irregularities.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission was neither Independent nor impartial.
“INEC officials aided by security personnel manipulated the system, altered results at various collation levels and frustrated the will of majority of Cross Riverians.
“Indeed, the election of Saturday, 18 March 2023 was characterised by outright vote buying, intimidation of voters and violence, which regrettably led to loss of lives.
“We have consulted with our legal and technical teams, as well as stakeholders to review the entire electoral process and have done to the inescapable conclusion that we must seek legal redress.
“This is tailored to meet the yearnings and aspirations of a vast majority of Cross Riverians and we are confident that we will get justice”, Professor Onor said.
He appealed to his supporters across the length and breadth of the state to remain calm and put their trust in God, who ultimately gives power.
About nine days ago, Professor Teddy Charles Adias, the collation returning officer for the gubernatorial elections declared Senator Bassey Otu of the All Progressives Congress, as the winner of the elections.
Professor Adias, from the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, said Prince Otu polled 258,619 votes to defeat his closest rival, Professor Sandy Onor of the PDP, who polled 179,636 votes.
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
