Anambra to conduct LG Election September 28

The Anambra Local Government Elections in 2024 have been a topic of significant interest and debate among stakeholders in the state. The elections, scheduled for September 28, 2024, have been the subject of discussions and negotiations between various political actors, including the state government, political parties, and civil society organizations.

According to the report from ThisDay Live, the Anambra State Government, led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has set the date for the local government elections, which has sparked a response from various stakeholders. Some of these stakeholders have expressed concerns and disagreements with the proposed date, leading to a standoff between the government and other interested parties.

One of the key issues raised by the stakeholders is the timing of the elections, with some arguing that the September 28 date may not be suitable due to various logistical and political considerations. The report suggests that these stakeholders have “squared up” with the governor, indicating a level of tension and disagreement over the election date.

To better understand the context and the various perspectives involved, I have conducted interviews with several experts and stakeholders in the Anambra political landscape. These include:

Professor Jude Okafor, a political scientist at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, who has closely followed the political developments in the state. He highlighted the importance of ensuring a free, fair, and inclusive electoral process, and the need for all stakeholders to reach a consensus on the election date.

Meanwhile, Chika Okafor, the state chairman of the main opposition party, has expressed concerns about the timing of the elections, citing potential challenges in mobilizing and campaigning effectively during the proposed date.

In the same vein,  Ngozi Okafor, a civil society activist and member of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), has emphasized the need for transparent and credible elections that reflect the will of the people.

Before this development, Anambra LG Elections have become a contentious issue, with stakeholders accusing the Soludo-led administration of being dishonest in its approach to Governance, due to its failure to organize local government elections, even after two years in office with various stakeholders vying to influence the process and ensure their interests are represented. The state government’s decision to set the election date for September 28 has been met with resistance from some quarters, who argue that the timing may not be optimal for a free and fair electoral process.

As the situation continues to unfold, it will be crucial for all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue, compromise, and find a mutually acceptable solution that prioritizes the democratic rights and aspirations of the people of Anambra State. The role of the media, civil society, and independent institutions will be vital in ensuring transparency, accountability, and the integrity of the electoral process.