The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) last night declared elections in Imo State inconclusive. As at the time of the declaration, incumbent governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Owelle Rochas Okorocha, was leading, having won in 20 out of the 27 local government areas.

In a telephone interview with Channels Television, Governor Okorocha expressed confidence that he would win the elections.

“It is not the first time elections in my state are declared inconclusive. I went through it in 2011. This clearly shows who the winner of the election is,” he said.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the elongated process of result announcement, the governor said out of the about 1.8 million voters, only 1.44 million collected their Permanent Voter Cards and less than 700,000 people voted, which sums up to 40 per cent and not as expected.

The major contender, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declined making any comment on the electoral process.

In 2011, INEC also declared elections that brought Governor Okorocha in inconclusive. After investigations a supplementary election was held and Governor Okorocha, who contested then under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), was declared winner.

•Adapted from a Channels TV report. Photo shows Governor Okorocha.