APC Withdraws from Anambra LG Polls, Pursues Legal Action Over Election Irregularities

Anambra APC Withdraws from Local Government Election, Pursues Legal Action Against Soludo Administration

The Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally announced its withdrawal from the upcoming local government elections, scheduled for September 28, 2024. In a bold move, the party has also taken legal action against the state governor, Chukwuma Soludo, the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), and the House of Assembly. The APC withdraws from Anambra LG polls claiming the election process is fraught with irregularities.

Basil Ejidike, the APC state chairman, stated that the party will not participate in the election, describing the exercise as an attempt to legitimize a flawed process. He explained that APC withdraws from Anambra LG polls to avoid being complicit in an election that lacks transparency and credibility. According to Ejidike, Governor Soludo is not committed to delivering a free and fair election, further alleging that a tribunal has already been set up to handle anticipated legal challenges to the election’s outcome.

Ejidike voiced concerns about the integrity of the election process, highlighting that the APC, as a major opposition party in the state, must take a firm stance against what it perceives as an orchestrated attempt to undermine the democratic process. “Governor Soludo is not transparently prepared to give Ndi-Anambra an accountable local government system,” Ejidike declared during a meeting with local party officials.

In line with its opposition, the APC has already filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the election process. Ejidike commended the efforts of other political parties, such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, who have similarly expressed concerns over the electoral irregularities. The decision to withdraw aligns with the party’s broader commitment to ensuring that democratic values are upheld in Anambra State.

While the APC withdraws from Anambra LG polls, the party has set its sights on preparing for the 2025 governorship election. Ejidike announced plans for a statewide tour across the 21 local government areas to galvanize grassroots support. This move underscores the party’s focus on building momentum ahead of the next major electoral contest.

Additionally, during the meeting, the party paid tribute to the late Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, a prominent figure in Anambra politics and a former governorship aspirant for the APC, observing a moment of silence in his honor.

The withdrawal from the Anambra LG polls signifies a turning point in the state’s political landscape, with the APC positioning itself as a vigilant force against what it views as a compromised electoral process. As the party continues its legal battle, it remains focused on strengthening its base ahead of future political contests in the state.