The Civil Society in a preliminary statement on the supplementary election last night said voting materials in Mbatoli and Ngor Okpala arrived between 11.30 am and 12.00 pm, when accreditation of voters was due to end. It stated that in a number of cases, the materials were incomplete.

The report also stated that “the process appeared further compromised by evidence of ballot thumb-printing in favour of PDP at the INEC office in Oguta.1.  Surprisingly, the national commissioner, as well as a senior police officer, were in the vicinity of the incident and did nothing to stop the situation when notified of the discovery.”

“Reports of the arrests of political stalwarts, including a LGA chairman in Ngor Okpala and a newly elected representative in Oguta over suspicions of thumb-printing.”

“Alleged complicity of security agencies in ballot-snatching and thumb-printing in at least three polling units in Mbaitoli, Ngor Okpala and Ohaji Egbema LGAs.”

“Attempts by activists of the PDP to stop alleged non-natives who duly registered from voting in Orji, Owerri North LGA.”

“In Polling Unit 17, Ward 4, Okpala village, Ngor Okpala LGA voters refused commencement of voting when they discovered that the Presiding officer wanted to use a Ghana-must-go bag in lieu of the absent ballot box.”

“Rising tension in many communities as anxious voters eager to exercise their franchise expressed vociferous concern over a grand plot to manipulate the elections.”

“We make bold to observe that these reports raise queries over the credibility of the election. INEC and security agencies need to be aware of these developments ahead of the collation and announcement of results,” the report said.