The Labour Party (LP) in Anambra State has leveled serious allegations against Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, claiming he has sneakily inserted dubious provisions into the ANSIEC Law ahead of the local government elections scheduled for September 28.
The party argues that these changes are a ploy designed to manipulate the electoral process in favor of certain interests.
This development comes as the party, spearheaded by its presidential candidate, considers a boycott of the upcoming elections amidst growing tensions surrounding the electoral framework.
During a recent gathering in Awka, party members expressed their discontent over the Governor’s failure to hold council elections within the promised six-month timeframe following his assumption of office. They questioned the sincerity of his campaign pledges, particularly concerning local governance.
The LP has been increasingly vocal about its apprehensions regarding the electoral integrity, especially in light of the recent amendments to the ANSIEC Law that have raised alarms over the fairness of the electoral process.
In response to these concerns, the Labour Party has decided to take legal action against the rushed amendments and is preparing to participate in the elections, provided that all legal protocols are followed.
Engr. Theo Egbe, the party’s State Publicity Secretary, articulated the party’s stance, emphasizing that participation in an election perceived as rigged is unacceptable. “We cannot engage in a process that has been compromised from the beginning,” he stated.
Furthermore, the party is demanding that the ANSIEC Law be reverted to its original version, ensuring that authentic political party leadership is permitted to submit candidate nominations.
It is noteworthy that the LP, alongside other significant political factions, including the PDP, Edozie Njoku’s APGA, and the APC, previously opted out of a stakeholders’ meeting organized by ANSIEC, citing the unlawful amendments to the ANSIEC law as the reason for their absence.
These parties allege that the changes were orchestrated to skew the electoral outcome and obstruct legitimate political leadership from presenting candidate lists. They have issued a warning of a potential boycott should their demands remain unaddressed.
Additionally, the Labour Party has expressed gratitude towards Peter Obi for his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to democratic values, while also mourning the recent passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and the 19-year-old son of its State Chairman, Hon. Ugochukwu Emeh.
