The Labour Party (LP) in Anambra State has announced its decision to withdraw from the Local Government Area elections scheduled for September 28.
In a statement made on Thursday in Awka, Mr. Theo Egbe, the party’s Publicity Secretary, expressed the party’s intent to contest the electoral process in court, citing serious violations of electoral guidelines.
“The Labour Party cannot engage in an election marred by evident irregularities, particularly the failure to adhere to the Electoral Act during the council polls,” he stated.
Egbe emphasized that the framework for the upcoming elections should align with the standards set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a fair electoral process.
He highlighted several troubling aspects of the amended act, which governs the behavior and management of political parties, disputes, and results collation—issues that contributed to the party’s decision to boycott the elections.
The LP official urged the government to postpone the elections until they are compliant with INEC’s standards, which would guarantee a level playing field for all candidates.
Egbe also claimed that the party’s state office was sealed on August 27 without prior warning or notification of any wrongdoing.
He alleged that the party’s premises at Udoka Housing Estate in Awka were shut down by individuals believed to be affiliated with the state government.
However, he called on LP members, supporters, and the people of Anambra to refrain from taking matters into their own hands.
In response, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, the Special Adviser to Governor Charles Soludo on Political Matters, dismissed the Labour Party’s allegations regarding the sealing of its offices.
Obiogbolu clarified that the situation was a dispute between the state housing corporation and the landlord, unrelated to the state government.
He urged the Labour Party to focus on addressing its internal issues instead of blaming the state government for its challenges.
