He expressed dissatisfaction with the composition and conduct of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2019 general elections.
Nwankpa, who made the party’s position known at a press conference held in Umuahia, the state capital, on Tuesday, explained that the state leadership of APC reviewed reports and facts arising from situations that preceded the postponement of the general elections.
He said, “Our party, the APC do not believe in the ability of the present crop of INEC leadership in the state to guarantee a free and fair elections in the state.
“The culprit who was apprehended over possession of multiple Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) in the state on the eve to the cancelled polls, was an INEC staff of a particular local government in the state.
“This illicit act may not have been restricted only to the apprehended electoral officer, other electoral officers who are culpable of the same offence may have absconded on getting information of the arrest of one of them.
“We want to express our disappointment over the over the calibre of persons recruited as collation officers and ad hoc staff by the Commission.
“The recruitment process is indeed biased, though we have earlier written protest letter to that effect to the state Resident Electoral Commissioner who denied knowledge of the recruitment process but rather said the names were sent to him from Abuja.”
The APC chairman added, “The All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state, is opposed to those named that is skewed in favour of the PDP in Abia state and against our party the APC.
“To the above effect, the APC in Abia State wishes to call for a total overhaul of the entire INEC structure in Abia state, starting from the state directorates to the local government electoral officers.
“This is the only way the APC in the state can be assured of a free and fair elections rooted in the culture of fair play and level playing ground for all parties, stakeholders and contestants in the elections.”
