By James Okoro
A House of Representatives aspirant for the Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency of Delta State on the platform of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Julius Efeni Akpovoka, has alleged plans by the party’s electoral committee in Delta State to manipulate the outcome of the recently conducted primary election despite his claimed victory.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Akpovoka alleged that the committee responsible for conducting the primary election was attempting to alter the results in favour of another candidate, contrary to the votes cast by delegates.
He said he had already reported the matter to the party’s national secretariat and other key stakeholders, including former Bayelsa State Governor and national leader of the party, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, expressing confidence that justice would prevail.
According to Akpovoka, the results collated from the three local government areas that make up the constituency clearly showed that he emerged victorious.
“My appeal is for the committee to do the rightful thing of what transpired from the field and ensure that my name is reflected as the winner. They should not manipulate figures and destroy the integrity of the party,” he said.
He stressed that integrity remained the foundation upon which the NDC was built and urged party officials to uphold transparency and fairness in handling the primary election results.
Providing a breakdown of the votes, Akpovoka said he secured 1,205 votes in Ughelli North, while his closest rival, Chief Dr. Christopher Ominimini, polled 205 votes.
He further stated that in Ughelli South, he garnered 350 votes against Ominimini’s 285 votes, while in Udu Local Government Area, he polled 283 votes compared to another candidate’s 305 votes.
“When the figures from the three local government areas are added together, I scored a total of 1,840 votes. Christopher Ominimini scored 560 votes, while the third aspirant got 315 votes. That is the true summary of the results,” he maintained.
The aspirant acknowledged the assurances reportedly given by Senator Dickson and former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege that the party would ensure that the will of delegates prevailed.
Akpovoka expressed optimism that the party leadership would protect the credibility of the primary process and prevent any attempt to tamper with the outcome.
He also declared his readiness to contest and win the general election if eventually declared the party’s candidate.
According to him, his popularity, grassroots support and political experience place him in a strong position to defeat candidates of rival parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Once the party gives me the ticket, APC is not a match for me in the constituency. I have the capacity, character and competence to win the election for the party,” he said.
The NDC is yet to officially respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.