The Labour Party (LP) in Anambra East Local Government Area (LGA) has announced its intention to boycott the forthcoming Local Government Elections scheduled for September 28. The party’s decision was conveyed through a statement issued by the LG Chairman, Mr. Chidi Chinwuba, and the Secretary, Mr. Onyeka Aghadiuno, in Awka on Friday.
In their statement, Chinwuba and Aghadiuno urged the public to disregard any list published by the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) that includes LP candidates for the upcoming elections. The party leaders asserted that the lists in question did not originate from the Labour Party.
The statement clarified that the LP had not conducted any primaries to nominate candidates nor submitted any names to ANSIEC. Consequently, the LP is demanding that ANSIEC delist any individuals purportedly representing the party in Anambra East for the elections. The party warned that legal action would be pursued if ANSIEC proceeded to publish any names associated with LP in the area.
“LP Anambra East Chapter wishes to dissociate itself from the September 28 LG elections in the state. The party, through its rightful leadership, has issued a statement that we, as a party, are not participating in the election,” the statement read. It further cautioned the public to avoid engaging with individuals listed as LP candidates, emphasizing that the party would not be held responsible for any issues arising from such interactions.
The party’s leadership also accused ANSIEC of attempting to involve parties in what they described as an already compromised election process. They labeled those responsible for including LP candidates as “mischief makers” seeking to deceive the residents of Anambra East and the broader Anambra State.
The LP’s statement highlighted that the state chapter of the party is currently challenging the election process in court, reinforcing their position of non-participation in the elections.
On September 11, ANSIEC Chairperson, Mrs. Genevieve Osakwe, released the final list of qualified candidates for the council polls. Osakwe invited candidates and political parties to commence their campaigns and assured the public that the list had been published in compliance with the Electoral Act. She encouraged the electorate to verify candidate names at ANSIEC headquarters or local government offices.
Osakwe reiterated the commission’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election, despite the Labour Party’s objections and ongoing legal challenges.
