The Anambra State Chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has announced its decision to abstain from the upcoming Local Government Area election scheduled for September 28.
This stance, driven by alleged electoral misconduct, was confirmed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Theo Egbe, on Thursday in Awka.
“Labour Party will not play alongside the identified irregularities, which is the inability to follow provisions of the Electoral Act when conducting council polls,” Egbe declared.
He emphasized that the election template set by the state should align with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines.
Egbe cited concerns with the amended act’s provisions governing the conduct of political parties, dispute management, and vote collation. These issues, among others, prompted the party’s decision to boycott the election.
He also called on the state government to reschedule the election, ensuring it adheres to INEC standards for fair competition.
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Additionally, Egbe revealed that the Labour Party’s state office in Awka was unexpectedly sealed on August 27. He accused suspected agents of the state government of being responsible for the closure, though no prior notice was given.
In response, the Special Adviser to Gov. Charles Soludo on Political Matters, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, refuted the claims, stating that the closure stemmed from a dispute between the state housing corporation and the property’s landlord, not the government.
Despite the developments, Egbe urged Labour Party members and supporters to remain peaceful and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
