Current news in imo state governorship election

As of my knowledge cutoff, here are some current news updates on the Imo State Governorship election:

Recent Developments:

1. INEC declares election inconclusive: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the Imo State Governorship election inconclusive, citing the cancellation of votes in 326 polling units due to violence and other irregularities. The election was held on March 18, 2023.
2. APC's Hope Uzodinma leads in initial results: According to initial results, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Hope Uzodinma, is leading in the election with 276,404 votes, followed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Emeka Ihedioha, with 238,674 votes.
3. PDP cries foul, demands cancellation of election: The PDP has cried foul over the election, alleging widespread irregularities, including vote-buying, ballot box snatching, and intimidation of voters. The party has demanded the cancellation of the election and a fresh one.
4. APC accuses PDP of rigging: The APC has accused the PDP of rigging the election, citing reports of vote-buying and other forms of electoral malpractice.
5. Security agencies on high alert: Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), are on high alert in Imo State to prevent violence and maintain law and order.

Key Quotes:

• "We will not accept any result that is not in line with the will of the people." - Emeka Ihedioha, PDP candidate
• "We are confident that our candidate, Hope Uzodinma, will emerge victorious in the end." - APC spokesperson
• "The election was marred by violence, intimidation, and other irregularities. We demand a fresh election." - PDP spokesperson

Next Steps:

1. INEC to conduct supplementary election: INEC has announced plans to conduct a supplementary election in the affected polling units to determine the winner of the election.
2. Parties to submit evidence of irregularities: Both parties have been asked to submit evidence of irregularities and malpractices to INEC, which will investigate and take necessary action.
3. Court cases likely: The outcome of the election is likely to be challenged in court, with both parties expected to file petitions to contest the results.

Please note that these updates are subject to change as new information becomes available.