A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Chief John Okezie, has dismissed a viral video alleging irregularities during the APC presidential primary election in Bende Local Government Area, describing the clip as fake and deliberately manipulated to mislead the public.
Chief Okezie, who served as the returning officer for Bende Ward during the presidential primary, said the video circulating on social media was taken out of context by what he described as “mischief makers” seeking to tarnish his image and credibility.
Speaking on the controversy, Okezie maintained that the electoral process conducted under his supervision was transparent and strictly followed the laid down guidelines.
According to him, there was no need for any form of manipulation during the exercise, insisting that the APC enjoys massive support in Bende and across Abia State.
“My attention has been drawn to a video circulating on social media alleging how we jump count numbers during APC Presidential primary election in Bende,” he said.
“I want the public to disregard the video because it’s fake and the fact is we do not need to jump count numbers because Bende is APC and APC is Bende, likewise Abia State is APC and it’s not surprising how our President Bola Tinubu won landslide.”
He further alleged that the viral clip was intentionally created to damage his reputation despite being duly selected to serve as a returning officer during the election.
Chief Okezie also appealed to members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary tension and misunderstanding within the political space.
He urged supporters and residents to remain calm and disregard the video, insisting that the claims being circulated online do not reflect what transpired during the primary election process.
Watch the video below
