Nigeria Content Online

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for Anambra
Central senatorial district and former information minister, Dora Akunyili may
take legal action against a former INEC returning officer and others for
allegedly defaming her character, even if she wins tomorrow’s re-run election.

Reacting to the decision of the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) to have a rerun election in some areas of the district, Mrs
Akunyili said she and her family went through serious emotional trauma owing to
alleged lies against her, especially by the returning officer, Alex Anene who
alleged that he was offered a bribe of N10m, a car and a house to help the APGA
candidate win.

‘My family and I went through a lot. We suffered emotionally and
many people believed their lies. After this election (rerun) which I will win,
I may still go to court against Anene and his sponsor,’ Mrs Akunyili said.

She said the statements by INEC chairman, Attahiru Jega on the
Anambra situation had vindicated her and renewed her faith and confidence in
the Nigerian nation.

“Now the truth is out and we all feel vindicated. It is obvious
Anene was sponsored to malign and cheat and announce fake results in a hotel
room in the night. That person who sponsored him also needs to face the law. I
want the law to take its full course so that people cannot just commit crime
and get away with it,” Mrs Akunyili said. She also called on the police to
arrest all those involved in a smear campaign against her.

Set for rerun

Mr Jega had set up a panel to investigate the Anambra imbroglio
following the release of conflicting results by INEC. INEC also declared the
election inconclusive following cancellation of results in particular areas in
four local government areas.

At the end of investigations, Mr Jega said INEC decided on
organising a rerun election and accused Mr Anene of violating the Electoral Act
by his action. He also called on the police to investigate him.

Although Mr Ngige had initially said he would not take part in a rerun,
after INEC’s decision he is now soliciting for votes. One of the texts sent by
his campaign team reads: “My good people of Anambra State, vote for me in
Tuesday’s rerun election. We won before, we will win again”.