Only the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP) will participate in the upcoming local government elections in Anambra State scheduled for August 29, according to the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC).
The Commissioner for Information and Publicity, Anthony Chinedu, disclosed this on Friday in Awka while speaking with journalists, noting that preparations for the poll were already underway to ensure a credible exercise.
Chinedu explained that the commission had earlier released the timetable and guidelines for the elections, providing equal opportunity for all registered political parties to participate. However, he said only APGA and YPP submitted candidates before the expiration of the primaries period.
He questioned the absence of other parties in the process, stressing that the commission could not be held responsible for political parties that failed to take part.
“Why didn’t you participate in the election process if you are a registered political party with supporters?” he asked, adding that only APGA and YPP would feature on the ballot for the August 29 polls.
The commissioner assured residents that the election would be free, fair, and credible, insisting that Governor Chukwuma Soludo would not interfere in the process. He added that the commission would announce the rightful winners at the end of the exercise.
Chinedu also disclosed that arrangements for sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials had already commenced ahead of the polls.
He, however, expressed concern over growing voter apathy in the state, urging residents to participate actively in the electoral process rather than abstain.
He cautioned that staying away from elections, out of dissatisfaction with government, could inadvertently influence outcomes, encouraging citizens instead to use their votes to effect change.
According to earlier reports, APGA secured a clean sweep in the September 28, 2024, local government elections in the state.