Bende youths nationwide have cautioned Senator Elisha Abbo, the former representative of Adamawa North, against interfering in the legal battle surrounding the Abia North senatorial election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Senator Orji Uzor Kalu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the election. However, the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Nnamdi Iroh Orji, is contesting the result and has filed an appeal following the dismissal of his petition against Kalu’s election by the National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal.
In comments that were later retracted after his own election was annulled by the Court of Appeal, Abbo alleged that his removal was a result of power struggles. He also claimed that four other senators, including Kalu, were earmarked for removal due to their failure to support Godswill Akpabio’s bid for the position of Senate President. Abbo described this as a direct assault on democracy.
However, in a communique issued regarding the legal dispute over the Abia North senatorial seat, the All Old Bende Youth Movement Nationwide cautioned Abbo against making insinuations regarding the matter. The Bende youths, in a joint statement signed by National President Uchendu Udensi and National Secretary George Iboko, expressed their support for the Senate President, stating that he had no influence over Abbo’s fate.
Furthermore, the youths emphasized that Kalu did not win the election for Abia North since voting did not take place in 105 polling units within the Senatorial District.
Sections of the statement read, “We also condemn the former Senator Ishaka Abbo for his baseless accusations and unfounded claims against the Senate leadership.
“The All Old Bende Youth Movement Nationwide warns Senator Ishaka Abbo from Adamawa State to refrain from involving himself in election matters related to the Abia North Senatorial District in Abia State.
“The Judiciary is hereby reminded of the inconclusive elections in Abia North, which still await a final resolution. This is due to the fact that in 105 polling units in Ohafia and Arochukwu Local Government Areas of Abia State, elections did not take place.
“Additionally, approximately 50,000 or more citizens who obtained PVCs were prevented from exercising their right to vote in 3 Federal Wards in Ohafia LGA in Abia State during the recent 2023 general election.”