By Dapo Akinrefon

A coalition of Civil Society Organisation and Election Observers, yesterday, called for cancellation of the governorship poll in four local government areas in Abia State.

The local governments include Obingwa, Osiioma, Ugwunagbo and Isia Ngwa North.

While giving report on the Abia governorship election, the coalition called for total cancellation of the election and accused the state government and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of interference and malpractices in the polls.

The coalition, led by David Anyaele of Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, CCD, accused the PDP of thumb-printing ballot papers in their homes and snatching ballot boxes.

Anyaele, who urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to redeploy all erring INEC officers found culpable in the controversial election in the state, said:   “We demand for total cancellation of the four local government areas, Ugwunagbo, Osiosioma, Obingwa and Isiala Ngwa North; not some pulling units or wards in those areas because reports from our teams of observers show there was no election in these areas.

“With negative public perceptions of the elections in the state and ahead of the re-run, INEC should take every necessary step to protect the integrity of the election as a way of strengthening the trust of the electorate in the voting process and should guard against interference by the incumbent and other political and public office holders.”