Members of the opposition party have voiced their strong disapproval of the Anambra State government’s rapid initiative to hold local government elections, led by Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) announced last Monday that local government elections are scheduled for September 28. While many have called for these elections, opposition politicians argue that the expedited process is designed to catch them off guard, paving the way for Soludo’s All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to dominate all 21 local government areas.
Honorable Afam Victor Ogene, a member of the House of Representatives and a prominent figure in the Labour Party (LP), expressed his concerns regarding the swift amendment of the Anambra State Electoral Law by the state House of Assembly and the timing of the election. He labeled this move as a tactic to undermine democratic practices, aimed at sidelining opposition parties.
In a statement released to journalists in Awka, Ogene criticized the rushed amendment that reduced the notification period for parties to prepare for the elections from 60 days to just 30. He stated, “Governor Soludo and the state Assembly have engaged in undemocratic practices by using the Assembly to appoint local government leaders.”
“This anti-people approach alienates those who do not share their authoritarian views,” he added. “The newly enforced 30-day notice for local government elections will disenfranchise many at the grassroots level.”
Ogene emphasized that the brief timeframe makes it nearly impossible for stakeholders to engage in meaningful consultations, organize primary elections, secure necessary funding, and adequately prepare for the elections without government assistance.
“This undermines the democratic process and mocks our governance,” he stated. “By obstructing the establishment of true democracy at the grassroots—the very foundation of democratic governance—the government is recklessly compromising the essence of democracy.”
He found it ironic that after a decade without local government elections, “Soludo aims to mislead the people of the state through a hastily arranged council election process.”
Ogene urged the public to remain vigilant and ensure active participation in the upcoming elections to safeguard the people’s will from being overshadowed.
