Obaze reverses self, congratulates Obiano

Oseloka Obaze, candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Anambra governorship election, has reversed himself and accepted Willie Obiano as winner of the election.

Obaze had rejected the election result, claiming inconsistencies in the outcome.

At a news conference in Awka, the state capital, on Monday, he congratulated Obiano and said he had put everything behind him.

He said he did not want to be involved in “unnecessary and prolonged litigation”.

“I wish to congratulate His Excellency, Gov. Willie Obiano and his running mate, Dr Nkem Okeke on their victory at the November 18 governorship election, I wish both of them well,” he said.

“I salute my other fellow contestants for their valiant efforts and decorum during the campaigning, thank you for promoting peace.

“Before now, I had expressed concerns about the contradicting variables that led to the electoral outcome.

“I have closed the chapter on this particular election, we must now move on and return to the task of promoting good governance and the wellbeing of Anambra people.”

Obaze, however, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take a critical look at its information communication technology (ICT) operations.

He said observed flaws in malfunctioning card readers, uniformity of victory trends in favour of a particular candidate and a situation where no other candidate showed strength anywhere were serious causes for concern.

“In that context, INEC needs to undertake an introspective appraisal of its in-house operations and moreso relating to its ICT operations,” he said.

“I thank, in a very special way, former Gov. Peter Obi and his dear wife for their unfettered support, I also thank my running mate Lady Chidi Onyemelukwe and her husband, Okey, for their joint role, warmth and added value to our efforts.”