Imo PFN Chairman Rejects Poll Result, Demands Cancellation

Bishop Dennis Jacobs, the incumbent Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Imo State Chapter, has formally rejected the outcome of last week’s state chairmanship election, citing procedural concerns.

He has called for the annulment of the results and requested a new election conducted by open ballot.

Speaking with journalists in Owerri on Monday, Bishop Jacobs expressed dissatisfaction with the electoral process.

He stated that he intends to follow established institutional channels to address his concerns about the validity of the results.

He maintains that he received the majority of valid votes and has called for the poll to be set aside.

Outlining his position, Jacobs alleged there was external influence from the Office of the National Vice President.

He said Pastor Sunny Odemene, who he stated was under suspension, was reinstated on election day and permitted to vote.

Jacobs contends that Pastor Odemene is not a member of the State Advisory Committee adding that his participation was inconsistent with electoral guidelines.

The Chairman also raised questions about the vote tally announced by electoral officers.

He explained that the Imo State SAC has 21 members on record. Following the passing of two members, the figure stood at 19. With Dr Cosmas Ilechukwu absent from the exercise, Jacobs noted that 18 members were present and eligible to vote.

He has requested clarification from Bishop Maxwell Korie regarding why the INEC officer recorded 19 votes, stating that the figure does not align with the number of eligible voters present.

He further alleged that votes due to him were erroneously allocated to Apostle Dr George Ike.

Individuals who identified as observers, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the election was compromised.

They stated that their role as observers prevented them from commenting publicly during the process.

They described the conduct of the election as unfair and expressed concern that it could affect ongoing projects.

They recommended a complete cancellation of the poll and a re-run using an open ballot system to enhance transparency.

On his record in office, Jacobs referenced projects executed during his four-year tenure, which he said surpassed those of previous administrations.

He cited the ongoing construction of a four-storey building as a principal achievement and expressed his commitment to completing it if returned to office.

He added that he is pursuing appropriate avenues to resolve the electoral dispute.

Efforts to reach the PFN Imo State Electoral Committee, the National Vice President, Bishop Maxwell Korie, and Pastor Sunny Odemene for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

As of press time, Apostle Dr George Ike and his deputy have not responded to the allegations.