By JOHN NWOKOCHA, Abuja

Outrage has trailed a viral post indicating that a man purporting to be a politician in Abia North Constituency of Abia State, offered himself for sale to any highest bidder (Politician in the area), for 12 million Naira.

Fndings by News Express show that stakeholders and politicians have slammed the post, saying that the motive is sinister. The stakeholders according to News Express investigation said that those behind the viral post were flying a kite about a grand plot to ‘sell Abia North’ during the 2023 general elections to an undisclosed politician from the senatorial zone, declaring they would resist any attempt to sell Abia North to a politician.

The viral post with the title: *ABIA NORTH NOT FOR SALE* purportedly originated from one Uduma Nnata, on Tuesday who offered himself for sale to any political contestants in the zone.

According to the post, “His price was N12m from any of the candidates from Abia North for endorsement as consensus candidate. But the upright candidates frowned at that and distanced themselves from such heinous practice”.

But condemning the plot, a veteran politician in the state, said he believes this is a signal that some persons were plotting to rig the election before the election will start. The veteran, a leading member of a leading political party which is presenting a candidate for the 2023 governorship race in the state, said they have scuttled the plot, adding they are set to expose the unnamed politician.

Also expressing angst at the post, a politician and security expert said they would mobilize all well-meaning youths and people of the zone to resist any attempt to rig elections in the zone. The politician to News Express they were already discussing with opinion leaders, traditional rulers and clergy to mount pressure on all contestants not to encourage rigging.

He said they have concluded plans to reach out to the electoral umpire to ensure that elections in the area are transparent, free and fair.

But a group under the aegis of CONCERNED ABIA NORTH POLITICAL ELITES, in the post said:

“We are all aware, from onset, that the Abia North platform/project is a medium for personal financial aggrandisement.

“Apparently, sound political minds in the platform know that Mr. Uduma Nnate does not have the integrity and clout to decide for Abia North.

They alleged that: “Uduma Nnate is a questionable character in Ohafia known for many dubious activities ranging from bank robbery and other fraudulent activities that never allowed him last in any position of trust. (Go to Amaekpu Ohafia and verify)

“Uduma Nnate can not convene any political or social meeting of responsible personalities in his village, Amaekpu, nay Ohafia (Go and verify).

“We hereby advise all good spirited candidates from Abia North to disregard Uduma Nnate's pronouncement of a consensus candidate as it's now a little wonder why work is seriously going on in His uncompleted 3room apartment in his village, Amaekpu Ohafia. (Go and verify).

“Do not be discouraged. Uduma is not a voice”.

Abia North comprises the following local government areas; Bende, Ohafia, Arochukwu, Isiukwuato, and Umunneochi.