- The electoral chair described the exercise as “free fair and credible”.
- He said that the elections were a demonstration of the commission’s dedication, focus and efficiency.
The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) emerged victorious in 15 out of 17 chairmanship positions in the Abia LG elections.
The Young Progressives Party (YPP) secured wins in the remaining two chairmanship positions during Saturday’s polls.
In a surprising turn of events, Governor Alex Otti’s Labour Party (LP) failed to secure any chairmanship positions, breaking the conventional trend of the ruling party dominating elections.
George Chima, chairman of the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC), announced the chairmanship election results at the commission’s Umuahia headquarters.
“We have fulfilled our duty as entrusted to us on September 5,” NAN quoted Chima saying.
“It wasn’t easy, but we worked tirelessly to promote election awareness statewide.
“It’s noteworthy that over 12 parties participated, a feat for our commission,” Chima added.
The ABSIEC chair praised the polls as “free, fair and credible,” successfully conducted across 17 LGAs.
Chima expressed delight, citing dedication and efficiency in completing the task within two months, a process typically requiring six to 12 months.
“I congratulate the winners and losers too, since elections inherently produce both,” he said.
“Abia’s peace is paramount; I urge its continuation.
“I appreciate security agencies and parties for adhering to election rules.
Following the supreme court’s July ruling, direct federal allocations to LG councils from the federation account have become mandatory.
The court also authorized withholding allocations to LGs governed by unelected officials, prompting states to conduct long-overdue LG elections.