Tension is mounting in Abbi community, located in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, following allegations of electoral manipulation and imposition in the wake of a controversial Town Union election.
The Concerned Citizens of Abbi, in a press statement issued on Tuesday and signed by their National President, Chief V.N. Ajogwu, petitioned Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah to intervene and restrain the Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, from allegedly attempting to impose a president-general on the community.
“We call on His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, a man of peace and fairness, to urgently intervene and call his Commissioner to order,” the statement read.
“The good name and peaceful legacy of the Governor must not be dragged into the mud by appointees who may be pursuing personal or political agendas at the expense of the people’s will.”
The group expressed outrage over the alleged plan by the Commissioner to issue a certificate of return to Mr. Mathias Ajogwu, one of the candidates in the disputed May 3, 2025 election held at Central School Abbi. They described the exercise as riddled with irregularities, noting that it was declared inconclusive by multiple observers, including officials from the supervising ministry.
“It is disturbing to hear reliable reports that the Commissioner is making moves to issue a certificate of return to Mr. Ajogwu Mathias in spite of the overwhelming evidence of malpractice,” Chief Ajogwu stated.
“Any attempt to force an unpopular candidate on the people of Abbi will not only provoke widespread resistance but also threaten the peace and unity of the community.”
The group also alleged that the Commissioner has a track record of interfering in local elections, citing previous incidents in Adani and Nrobo communities, where he was accused of collecting money from candidates.
“The people of Abbi refuse to be the next victims of such questionable conduct. We will not allow our sacred traditional institutions and democratic processes to be auctioned off for personal gain,” the statement warned.
While reiterating their commitment to peace and lawful resolution, the group maintained a firm stance against any backdoor leadership arrangement, calling instead for a transparent and fair electoral process.
“Let the voice of the people of Abbi be respected. The days of backdoor leadership imposition are over,” the statement continued.
“Our people deserve a process that is clean, transparent, and accountable. Any shortcut will only worsen distrust in government and deepen division within our community.”
Chief Ajogwu urged all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, civil society, and the media, to support the people’s demand for electoral justice and accountability.
“We reaffirm our stand for peace, but we will not fold our arms while our rights are being trampled on. We ask all lovers of justice to rise and speak now, before it is too late,” he concluded.
