- The APC in Anambra opposes ANSIEC’s actions, deeming them illegal and emphasizing the need for credible local government elections
- Chief Basil Ejidike criticized ANSIEC for excluding political parties from planning, asserting that all parties deserve a role in the process
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State has declared that it cannot support what it views as illegal actions by the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) in the upcoming local government elections.
Chief Basil Ejidike, the APC State Chairman, emphasized this point during a briefing with journalists regarding ANSIEC’s planned local elections. While the APC is prepared to participate, Ejidike stressed that the party will not engage in elections plagued by poor planning and execution.
Ejidike highlighted that the APC favours any process that democratizes local government councils. However, he insisted that the election must meet basic standards of credibility and transparency. Although perfection is not expected, he noted that a minimum level of credibility is essential.
He also criticized recent amendments to the election laws that appear to benefit the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), labelling them as anti-democratic. According to Ejidike, if ANSIEC and the government persist with their current methods, the APC might have to explore other legitimate alternatives, as it refuses to endorse illegality.
Ejidike further pointed out that ANSIEC has excluded political parties from participating in the planning of the local elections. He clarified that the issue is not just about the APC being sidelined, but that all political parties have been marginalized. He criticized ANSIEC for not consulting the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), which should act as an impartial body for the elections. Instead, ANSIEC only met with stakeholders such as traditional rulers, town union presidents, religious bodies, and party chairmen, without inviting political parties to contribute to election planning. Ejidike argued that this exclusion suggests that political parties are not considered relevant in the election process.