The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) in Nigeria has released the list of qualified candidates for the state's September 28 Local Government Elections. The Chairman of ANSIEC, Mrs Genevieve Osakwe, disclosed this to journalists in Awka on Wednesday, urging prospective candidates and individuals to visit the commission's headquarters or any local government area in the 21 local government areas to confirm the names of candidates for individual positions.
Osakwe encouraged the shortlisted candidates to commence campaigns and urged the electorates to participate actively and vote for their choice candidates on September 28, 2024. "The list of candidates is for public consumption. Everyone is free to visit the commission's headquarters or any local government area in the 21 LGAs to confirm the names of candidates for individual positions," she said. "We encourage Ndi Anambra to come out and take part in the election process as it will be free, fair and credible."
The local government election schedules and processes have been generating controversies in the state, with some political parties like the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP) at loggerheads with ANSIEC, insisting that due process was not followed. These parties had threatened to withdraw from the exercise, citing "irregularities and lopsidedness" in the process.
The APC, for instance, announced its withdrawal from the exercise, stating that participating would amount to "legalising illegality" as the constitution of the ANSIEC and the announcement of the date for the election did not follow due process according to the Electoral Act 2022. The PDP and the LP had also threatened to withdraw from the exercise, citing similar concerns.
It's worth noting that it has been over 10 years since the last local government elections were held in Anambra State, with all 21 local government areas currently being run by caretaker transition committee chairmen appointed by the governor every three months.
The release of the candidate list by ANSIEC is a significant step towards the upcoming local government elections in Anambra State. However, the ongoing controversies and threats of withdrawal by major political parties highlight the need for a transparent and inclusive electoral process that adheres to the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Politics
Gachagua Compares Rival MPs to Gullible Hyenas in Fiery Speech, Promises to ‘Spill the Beans’
In a charged speech delivered at the official opening of the Central Kenya Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) show in Nyeri, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua used a traditional Kikuyu tale to criticize certain MPs, accusing them of greed and betrayal.
IEA Announces Presidential Debates Ahead of 2024 Ghana Elections, but NDC Candidate to Skip
The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has announced the dates for its first and second presidential debates ahead of the 2024 Ghana elections, set to take place on October 22 and November 19, respectively.
Drama in Kogi PDP: Former Senator Dino Melaye Suspended for Party Defiance
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State has suspended former Senator Dino Melaye due to his anti-party activities.
Guinea-Bissau's President Embalo Shocks Nation by Declining Second Term Amid Political Unrest
Guinea-Bissau’s President, Umaro Cissoko Embalo, surprised the nation on Thursday with an unexpected announcement—he will not seek a second term in the upcoming November elections.
Pravin Gordhan, South Africa’s Anti-Corruption Hero, Dies at 75
Pravin Gordhan, the widely respected former South African finance minister, has passed away at the age of 75.
PDP Power Struggle: Wike Gains Upper Hand Over Governors in Rivers State Party Crisis
In a significant political development, the National Working Committee (NWC) of Nigeria's People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a decisive step in the ongoing power struggle between Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Ghana's Electoral Commission Rejects NDC's Call for Independent Voter Register Audit
Ghana's Electoral Commission (EC) has called the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party's demand for an independent forensic audit of the voter register for the 2024 elections premature.
Nairobi Governor Replies to Deputy President Over Controversial Wakulima Market Relocation
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has addressed Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s public appeal regarding the planned relocation of Wakulima Market traders to Kangundo Market.
Edo PDP Rejects Peace Accord Over Arrests, Warns of Violent Governorship Election
In a major move ahead of the Edo governorship election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has decided not to sign the peace accord intended for all candidates and political parties involved in the upcoming polls.
Kisumu Governor Nyong'o Appointed to Lead ODM Party in Raila's Absence as He Pursues AU Chairmanship
Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o has been designated to lead the ODM Party's Central Management Committee in Raila Odinga's absence, as Odinga focuses on his campaign for the Chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).
DPP's Attempt to Recuse Magistrate Fails in Uasin Gishu Fraud Case
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) failed in an attempt to have Senior Principal Magistrate Alloys Peter Ndege recuse himself from the ongoing fraud case in which Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii and his former deputy John Barorot are witnesses.
Nigeria: Kano Political Aspirants Fail Drug Tests: 20 Candidates from Ruling Party Test Positive
The Kano State Drug Law Enforcement Agency has revealed that 20 political aspirants from the ruling New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) have tested positive for various drugs, including opioids, THC (the active compound in cannabis), benzodiazepines, and nicotine.
Nairobi Governor Sakaja Meets Azimio MCAs to Counter Impeachment Threat
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has convened a meeting with elected Azimio Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to strategize in response to an impeachment motion reportedly being planned by Kenya Kwanza members of the assembly.
Ghana Faces Crowded Presidential Race as 9 Candidates File Nomination Forms
The 2024 Ghanaian presidential election is shaping up to be a highly competitive affair, with nine candidates officially filing their nomination forms on Monday, September 9th.
Mount Kenya East MPs Endorse Interior CS Kindiki as Regional Kingpin, Challenging DP Gachagua's Claim
In a move that challenges the recent claim by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, the Mount Kenya East Members of Parliament (MPs) have endorsed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as their regional kingpin.