Frontline candidate in the just concluded Enugu East Senatorial Zone elections, Princess Ada Ogbu has said that the election was not free and fair, characterised by violence, harassment and intimidation of the electorate.
Ada Ogbu in a Press Statement made available to Jungle-Journalist.Com, argued that despite her loss at the polls, she saw the process as a great attempt to provide quality leadership to her people of Nkanu East. She also expressed gratitude to the electorate whom she said put in their best to see her win.
Her words;
Ndi Nkem,
I wish I could tell you we were victorious.
Why?
Like you, I am confident I was the best candidate. And like you, I am disappointed that we did not win. But I do not cry over my losses. To try and then fail is not a loss, but it is to have never tried that is the real tragedy. And we did try, more than anyone else.
There were reports of my ballot papers being mutilated and set on fire; reports of my supporters being beaten up and chased away from casting their votes, and the widespread threats. These do not augur well for our democracy and electoral process. And even after that, results were then cooked up and changed at the point of collation. Free and fair was a façade.
I am incredibly grateful and honoured that I had the chance to try to represent my people, Enugu East, at the last elections. Words cannot adequately express my gratitude for the tremendous outpouring of love and support you showed during and after the campaign, most especially the resilient women, men and youth who stood for me in the face of threats or being attacked at their respective polling units.
From Nara to Iva Valley, Ehamufu, to Amagunze, Independence Layout, Asata, Trans Ekulu, Abakpa, Akwuke, Coal Camp, Ogui, and more; I came, and I saw. There is much to be done. We must not relent.
I will always hold true to this: effective and inward looking representation will move us forward as a Zone, state, and a Nation. And it starts with you, reading this right now.
As we lead ourselves and others right, we move one step closer to a better country.
I hope that I’ve encouraged someone wanting to run someday.
It is possible.
May God bless you, our Senatorial Zone, Enugu State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Yours ever affectionately,
Ada Ogbu.”
Discussion about this post