The member of the House of Representatives representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State, Hon Afam Ogene, has criticized the All Progressives Grand Alliance-controlled government in the state for hastily announcing Local Government elections for September 28.
Ogene argued that the move is aimed at frustrating opposition political parties.
The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission chairman, Genevieve Osakwe, announced the election date on Monday, following the amendment of the Anambra State Electoral Law by the Anambra State House of Assembly. The amendment reduced the notice period for local government elections from 60 days to 30 days.
Ogene faulted the swift amendment, calling it an “unholy manoeuvre to stifle the interest of the grassroots in producing credible leadership at the local government levels.”
He stated: “Governor Soludo and the State Assembly have perpetuated an undemocratic practice by utilizing the democratic institution of the Assembly to handpick local government leaders. This anti-people approach excludes the majority who do not align with their authoritarian tendencies.
“The newly imposed 30-day notice period for local government election will lead to widespread disenfranchisement at the grassroots level. Within this truncated timeframe, it will be nearly impossible for stakeholders to conduct meaningful consultations, organize primary elections, secure funding, and prepare for the election without government support.
“This is a disservice to the people and a mockery of our democracy. By frustrating the enthronement of true democracy at the grassroots level – the foundation of democratic governance – the government is mindlessly undermining the very essence of democratic practice.
“Indeed, it is ludicrous that 10 years after the last local government in the state – and two and half years since he mounted the saddle – Governor Soludo and his recently appointed ANSIEC would seek to hoodwink the people of the state through a hurriedly clobbered council election process.
“We urge all advocates of democracy to remain vigilant and engaged in the upcoming Anambra local government and state election by ensuring that the people’s will is not subverted by the state government’s deceitful tactics under Governor Soludo’s leadership.”
