Elections
APC Withdraws from LG Elections, Cites Irregularities
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming local government election, scheduled for September 28, 2024.
The withdrawal of the APC from the Anambra LG election follows claims of irregularities in the electoral process, which it says could compromise the credibility of the polls.
The withdrawal was officially decided during stakeholders’ meeting on the election held on Saturday at the APC State Office in Awka, the Anambra State capital. The motion to boycott the elections was initiated by Donatus Emecheta and seconded by Akunwata Obadike.
Speaking on behalf of the party, APC State Chairman Basil Ejidike confirmed the decision and emphasized that the APC will take legal action to challenge the conduct of the election in court. Ejidike accused the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) of violating due process, arguing that participation in the polls would be tantamount to “legalizing illegality.”
Ejidike pointed to a lack of adherence to the Electoral Act 2022, particularly concerning the constitution of ANSIEC and the announcement of the election date, which he claims was rushed and did not follow legal procedures. He further expressed concern that there was insufficient time for parties to hold primaries or organize campaign rallies, and noted the absence of the official sale of nomination forms.
According to the Anambra APC chairman, the state government under Governor Chukwuma Soludo and ANSIEC are not adequately prepared to ensure that the election will be conducted freely and fairly hence the resort to withdrawal. Ejidike also called on party members to remain focused on the bigger picture, as the APC will soon embark on a statewide tour in preparation for the 2025 governorship election.
Anambra State has not held local government elections for over a decade, leaving the 21 local government areas under the administration of caretaker chairmen, appointed by successive governors every three months. The APC’s withdrawal from the upcoming elections raises further questions about the credibility and fairness of the process.
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