Anambra APC Withdraws from Local Government Elections Over Credibility Concerns

The Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming local government elections scheduled for 28 September 2024.

This election would have marked the first local government poll in Anambra State in over a decade, the last one having been conducted by former Governor Peter Obi in the final days of his administration.

However, the APC’s withdrawal underscores the party’s serious concerns regarding the transparency and legality of the election process under the current state administration.

Basil Ejidike, the state chairman of the APC, disclosed the party’s decision during a meeting with local government and ward party chairmen in Awka.

Ejidike stated that the party’s participation in the election would effectively legitimise what he described as an “illegal” process.

He accused the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) and Governor Chukwuma Soludo of failing to provide the necessary framework for a free, fair, and credible election.

“The governor has already set up a tribunal at the Anambra State High Court in Awka for political parties that wish to challenge the outcome of the election,” Ejidike explained, expressing his scepticism about the process.

He argued that setting up a tribunal before the election even takes place raises doubts about the administration’s commitment to electoral integrity. According to Ejidike, this move is a clear indication that the state government anticipates disputes and irregularities, which undermines confidence in the election’s legitimacy.

Ejidike further accused Governor Soludo of not being transparent in his approach to establishing an accountable local government system in Anambra State.

He emphasised that the APC, as a major opposition party, has a responsibility to uphold democratic principles and set a positive example by refusing to participate in what it considers an unjust process.

“We are already in court to challenge the process because APC, being a major opposition party in Anambra State, must try as much as possible to live by example,” Ejidike stated.

He also commended the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party for similarly seeking legal redress over perceived irregularities, recognising their efforts to ensure accountability in the electoral process.

Ejidike’s announcement was not merely a critique of the current electoral arrangement but also served as a call to action for APC members.

He urged party members to stay focused and united as they prepare for the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State.

In anticipation of this, the APC plans to embark on a comprehensive tour across the state’s 21 local government areas to strengthen its grassroots presence and galvanise support.

This strategic move aims to position the party as a formidable force in the upcoming gubernatorial race, reflecting the APC’s broader objective of gaining political ground in Anambra State.

The APC’s decision to withdraw from the local government elections has stirred significant political discourse in Anambra State.

Local government elections are pivotal in ensuring that citizens have a say in the administration of their communities and the delivery of essential public services.

However, the APC’s withdrawal, along with the legal actions of other opposition parties, highlights serious concerns about the current state of local governance and electoral integrity in the state.

Critics argue that without a credible local government election, the core democratic principle of representation is compromised, and local administrations may lack the legitimacy needed to effectively govern.

The APC’s legal challenge seeks to rectify these issues by demanding adherence to the rule of law and ensuring that the electoral process is conducted in a transparent and fair manner.

The party’s actions also underscore a broader demand for accountability from the state government, which is seen as essential for restoring public trust in the electoral system.

In a poignant moment during the meeting, the APC observed a minute’s silence in memory of the late Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, a prominent figure in the party who was a leading governorship aspirant before his untimely death.

Ubah’s legacy and dedication to public service were honoured as the APC reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing justice and upholding democratic values in Anambra State.

As the APC and other opposition parties pursue their legal battles, the outcome of these challenges could have profound implications for the future of local governance in Anambra State.

These legal proceedings are set to test the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the commitment of political leaders to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

The ongoing struggle for credible elections in Anambra State serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of democratic processes in building a just and equitable society.