Anambra: APC withdraws from LG elections

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming local government elections scheduled for September 28, 2024, citing gross irregularities in the process.

This decision was reached during a stakeholders’ meeting at the party’s office in Awka, where a motion to boycott the election was moved by Donatus Emecheta and seconded by Akunwata Obadike.

State Chairman Basil Ejidike aligned with the stakeholders’ decision, stating that the party will take legal action and challenge the election process in court. Ejidike cited violations of due process, including the constitution of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) and the announcement of the election date, which did not follow the Electoral Act 2022.

Ejidike emphasized that participating in the election would be tantamount to “legalizing illegality.” He questioned the credibility of the process, highlighting the lack of time for political parties to conduct primaries, hold campaign rallies, and sell forms in accordance with the Electoral Act.

The APC chairman urged party members to remain focused, as the party will soon embark on a tour of the 21 local government areas in preparation for the 2025 governorship election. This development comes after over a decade of no local government elections in the state, with caretaker transition committee chairmen appointed by successive governors every three months to manage the grassroots level.