The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State has officially withdrawn from the local government elections scheduled for September 28, 2024, citing irregularities in the election process, News About Nigeria reports.
In a statement released on Saturday, the party revealed that it would challenge the election in court, accusing the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) of violating due process.
According to the APC, the primary reasons for the boycott include the flawed constitution of ANSIEC and the improper announcement of the election date, which the party claims did not adhere to the requirements outlined in the Electoral Act 2022.
“Participating in the election would amount to legalising illegality,” the APC’s statement declared.
During a meeting at the party’s state headquarters in Awka, key stakeholders, including Donatus Emecheta and Ikunwata Obadike, moved and seconded the motion for the APC’s withdrawal.
The party’s chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike, reiterated the APC’s concerns, stating that the election lacked fairness and transparency.
He also noted that there was insufficient time for parties to conduct primaries and hold campaigns, a violation of the Electoral Act.
Ejidike further alleged that Governor Chukwuma Soludo had already set up a tribunal at the Anambra State High Court, raising doubts about the transparency of the election process.
“We are already in court to challenge the process because the APC, being the major opposition party in Anambra State, must try as much as possible to lead by example,” he said.
The APC’s legal adviser, Chukwunoso Chinweuba, highlighted legal inconsistencies, citing conflicts between the ANSIEC Law and the Electoral Act regarding the election notice period.
Ejidike also praised the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party for joining the legal battle over the alleged electoral irregularities.
The APC’s withdrawal comes amid a decade-long absence of local government elections in Anambra State, with caretaker transition committee chairmen managing the 21 local government areas since 2014.
