APGA’s defeated candidate not to contest rerun polls

Chief

Onuoha-Bourdex’s decision is contained in a statement signed by Amara Umunna, his Special Assistant on Media and Public Communications

A copy of the statement was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

``There should be an end to litigation and electoral processes. We do not want to continue heating up the polity.

``After the first election in March 28, 2015, it took us several weeks’ stay at the Tribunal in Umuahia and the Appeal Court, Owerri, to nullify the election.

``It also took us a legal team made of senior advocates and eminent lawyers, and the support of APGA faithful to secure that nullification.

``As such, it would be meaningless to return to the trenches in a bid to expose the charade and blatant votes’ robbery that took place in the rerun election,’’ the statement said.

It expressed Onuoha-Bourdex’s appreciation to the people of Abia for their support for him and APGA, adding that it was a sign that the party was alive in the state.

``We commend Dr Alex Otti for championing and supporting the cause of electoral sanity and observance of due process in Abia.

``Those who steal the people’s mandate should live with a seared conscience by their unmerited leadership,’’ the statement said.

NAN recalls that Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was declared winner of the polls and was subsequently sworn in for a second time in the Senate.

Dr Orji Uzor Kalu of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) is challenging the outcome of the rerun at the tribunal.