The ongoing Actors Guild election in Asaba, Delta State, is facing serious challenges over accusation of irregularities by members.
Nollywood actor, Michael Chubutelo Osu, popularly known as Yankaba Michael, has alleged irregularities, calling for a free, fair and transparent electoral process.
Speaking to journalists at the election venue in Asaba, Yankaba said he was present to exercise his right to vote but expressed concerns over alleged attempts to manipulate the election.
“Some individuals who were allegedly not registered members of the Actors Guild were brought to the venue to participate in the voting process.
“The non-members of the Actors Guild were imported to come and vote. We say no to illegal voters and no to mercenaries. The election has to be free and fair,” he said.
Yankaba further alleged that some of the individuals at the venue could not identify themselves as registered guild members when challenged by members of the election task force.
He also accused the former state chairman of the guild of attempting to influence the election by bringing in non-members to vote.
Yankaba also maintained that genuine members of the guild were demanding that only accredited members listed in the official register be allowed to cast their votes.
“I came here to vote, and after voting I will go home. I don’t like violence or illegal activities. All we want is a free and fair election,” he added.
Yankaba urged the election officials to ensure that only duly accredited members participated in the exercise to preserve the credibility of the electoral process.
He reaffirmed his commitment to peaceful participation in the election, saying that transparency and fairness should remain the guiding principles of the exercise.
Another member, who does not want his name mentioned, confirmed the presence of new faces but noted that it was not enough to disrupt the process.
No official response had been issued by the organiser at the time of filing this report.
