On September 28, the Anambra State political scene witnessed a local government election that drew mixed reactions. Organized by the State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC, the poll was described as successful by members of the ruling All Progressives Grand Assembly Party, APGA. However, the opposition described the election as scandalous.
Voters faced major challenges including delays in the arrival of election materials at polling stations and upon arrival, the materials were incomplete. In Nsugbe, Anambra East Local Government Area where there are six polling stations in one centre, materials for only one polling station were brought by ANSIEC officials. Voters, who were patiently waiting to vote, refused to vote until materials for all the polling stations were brought.
In Orumba South Local Government, the Action Alliance presidential candidate, Sir Norbert Okoli, said his people were totally disenfranchised because no voting took place. According to him, ANSIEC had not informed them that there would be no election in his town, Owerre Ezukala, due to alleged insecurity. It was only after voters arrived at their polling station that the message arrived asking them to proceed to Umunze, the local government headquarters, to vote.
However, despite these challenges, the election was smoother in some areas. In Atani, Ogbaru Local Government, where the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze, cast his vote, he commended the state government for “providing adequate security and enabling environment across the state, especially in Ogbaru Local Government during the local government election”.
Finally, the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, cast his vote in his polling unit and expressed confidence in the electoral process. He described the election as “transparent and credible”.
In conclusion, despite the challenges encountered in this local government election in Anambra, it is critical to underscore the importance of the democratic process and citizen participation. The challenges encountered should serve as a lesson for the future and strengthen commitment to free, fair and transparent elections.