From Isaac Ojo Awka and Ifeoma Ejiofor, Nnewi
The Anambra State local government election was on Saturday conducted in the 21 LGAs and 326 wards of the state.
The process and the results of the polls have continued to generate mixed reactions from the candidates and their political parties.
For the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) which swept the polls in all the LGAs, it was commendation galore for the state electoral body.
The APGA National Chairman, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, expressed satisfaction with the voter turnout and commended the peaceful and orderly conduct of the election process.
He emphasized that the smooth exercise reflects the maturity of the democratic system and the commitment of Ndi Anambra to ensuring credible local governance.
“The turnout is encouraging, and I am pleased with the calm and orderly nature of the process. This election is pivotal in strengthening our grassroots leadership and advancing the development of our communities,” Barr. Ezeokenwa said.
But, the Anambra State chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Engr Chigozie Igwe while condemning the exercise noted that the elections descended into chaos, marred by blatant manipulation and outright rigging.
He said, “ANSIEC’s deliberate subversion of democracy undermines its very foundations. The electoral process lacks fairness and transparency, highlighting the urgent need for genuine local government autonomy.
“PDP candidates faced systemic disenfranchisement, with widespread reports of withheld electoral materials and relocated collation centers to APGA stakeholders’ homes, evading public scrutiny.
“This manipulation suggests APGA’s fear of PDP’s growing influence. If APGA was truly confident in their grassroots support, there would be no need to rig the elections.
”APGA’s actions indicate a lack of faith in their own popularity, and their manipulation deprives the people of Anambra State of their rightful voice.
“This assault on democracy demands immediate cancellation of the compromised election, which we condemn as a desecration of democratic principles, a waste of taxpayers’ funds, and an elevation of electoral fraud,”
Similarly, the Labour Party (LP) has also condemned the Saturday council polls noting that it fell far short of expectations.
The Labour Party led by Peter Okoye in her press conference shortly after monitoring proceedings said they were going to challenge the event in court.
Okoye who spoke at Nkpor, Idemili North council area was flanked by key LP executive.
“What we witnessed today was a shame. We are going to challenge it in court. We are dragging Gov Charles Soludo and the State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) to court.
In Nnewi North LGA, the process would have gotten a pass mark but for an alleged systematic disenfranchisement of voters in the strong holds of Young Progressives Party (YPP) and PDP.
