Anambra State: Stakeholders Challenge Governor Soludo Over Local Government Elections

 

After over two and a half years in office, Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has finally committed to conducting local government elections, with the polls set for September 28, 2024. However, this decision has sparked significant controversy among stakeholders, particularly opposition politicians, who have criticized the rapid timeline as a strategic move to suppress fair competition.

Long-Awaited Elections and Initial Promises

During his 2021 gubernatorial campaign, Soludo promised to hold local government elections within six months of taking office, leveraging this pledge to garner public support. Despite this, nearly two years passed without any movement towards fulfilling this promise. The long delay has been a source of frustration for many, especially considering that the last local government elections in Anambra took place in January 2014, over a decade ago.

The push for these elections gained momentum when Governor Soludo sent an executive bill to the Anambra State House of Assembly to establish the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC). Many observers believe this action was prompted by concerns over the possible suspension of local government allocations due to the non-conduct of elections.

Stakeholders Express Concerns Over the Election Timeline

Despite the upcoming elections being viewed as a positive step towards democratic governance, opposition parties and other stakeholders have expressed serious concerns about the rushed nature of the election process. Critics argue that the timeline gives opposition parties less than a month to prepare, potentially undermining the fairness and credibility of the elections.

Tony Okafor, a public affairs analyst, questioned the urgency to conduct elections after such a long delay, warning that a hastily organized election could compromise its integrity. Okafor emphasized the importance of a credible election process, urging Governor Soludo to reconsider the timeline to ensure all political parties have a fair opportunity to participate.

Opposition and Legislative Criticism

Opposition parties have also voiced their dissatisfaction, viewing the accelerated election schedule as a deliberate attempt to ambush them. Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency under the Labour Party (LP), condemned the hasty amendment of the Anambra State Electoral Law and the subsequent scheduling of the elections. Ogene criticized these actions as undemocratic and an attempt to stifle genuine grassroots representation.

Ogene argued that the newly imposed 30-day notice period for the elections is insufficient for proper stakeholder consultations, the organization of primaries, and adequate preparation. He described the move as a disservice to the people and a mockery of democratic principles, urging the state government to adopt a more transparent and inclusive approach.

Support from APGA and Government Defense

While the opposition has raised alarms, members of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have praised the governor’s decision. Chinedu Obigwe, the National Coordinator of the APGA Warriors’ Forum, commended the Anambra State House of Assembly for amending the ANSIEC law, describing it as a necessary measure to protect the state's interests and ensure the continuation of local government operations.

Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, defended the swift amendment of the ANSIEC law, stating that it was essential to modernize outdated legal provisions that had not been revised in over a decade. Udeze emphasized that the State Assembly is constitutionally empowered to make laws that facilitate the smooth administration of local governments, underscoring the importance of timely elections.

Potential Implications and the Way Forward

As the September 28 election date approaches, the controversy surrounding the rushed timeline continues to intensify. Critics fear that the hasty process may lead to widespread disenfranchisement and undermine the credibility of the elections. On the other hand, supporters within the ruling party argue that the elections are crucial for maintaining governance and preventing the suspension of local government allocations.

Governor Soludo’s administration now faces the challenge of balancing the need for a timely election with the demands for a transparent and fair process. The outcome of these elections will likely have significant implications for the political landscape of Anambra State, influencing both local governance and future electoral contests.

For the latest updates on the Anambra State local government elections and other political developments, stay tuned to Naija NewsHawk, your source for comprehensive and unbiased coverage.