Akunyili threatens to sue electoral officer.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for Anambra Central senatorial district and former Information minister, Dora Akunyili. 

By Jude Atupulazi

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".