The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) has officially released the list of qualified candidates for the Local Government Elections scheduled for September 28, 2024. This announcement was made by ANSIEC Chairperson, Mrs. Genevieve Osakwe, during a press briefing on Wednesday in Awka. She advised all prospective candidates and interested individuals to visit the commission’s headquarters or any of the 21 local government areas in the state to verify the names of candidates running for various positions.
Mrs. Osakwe encouraged the candidates who have made the list to begin their election campaigns promptly. She also urged voters to actively participate in the election by supporting and voting for their preferred candidates on September 28, 2024.
Despite the commission’s preparations, the local government election process has sparked controversy among some political parties. The All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP) have all voiced their dissatisfaction with the election procedures. These parties claim that ANSIEC did not follow due process, alleging irregularities and bias in the election scheduling.
During a stakeholder meeting held in Awka on Saturday, APC state chairman Basil Ejidike announced the party’s withdrawal from the election, stating that participating would “legitimize an illegality.” He argued that the constitution of ANSIEC and the announcement of the election date violated the Electoral Act of 2022. Similarly, both the PDP and LP have expressed intentions to withdraw from the election, citing concerns about the fairness and transparency of the process.
It’s important to note that this election marks the first local government election in Anambra State since 2014. For over a decade, all 21 local government areas have been administered by caretaker chairmen appointed by the governor, with these appointments being renewed every three months.
