John Nwosu, a gubernatorial aspirant representing the Labour Party in the upcoming Anambra State election, has declined the notion of a local government election proposed by the state’s independent electoral commission.
In a press release issued and circulated by Nwosu, he criticized the rushed nature of the process, suggesting that it was designed to favor the incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, in gaining grassroots support for the forthcoming election.
He expressed his reservations, stating, “The local government election purportedly set for September 28, 2024, appears surreal and hastily arranged beyond belief.
“The governor seems confident in securing control over the Anambra State judiciary and utilizing it to validate the election scheme he is orchestrating, despite the objections of the Anambra people who are eager to participate extensively in the local government polls.
“While we condemn the 2023 general elections in Nigeria for failing to meet basic democratic standards, we cannot standby as the Anambra State local government election rushes towards an even more unfavorable outcome.
“The current planning lacks fundamental principles of justice, fairness, and ethical conduct. If carried out as intended, it could exacerbate the already precarious security situation in Anambra State.
“Hence, I, Mr. John Nwosu, representing the John Nwosu Campaign Organisation, hereby reject the abrupt and baseless alterations made to the Anambra State Local Government Election Law, blatantly in favor of the state’s incumbent regime.”
Nwosu highlighted that the Local Government Election Law governing the process has been hastily revised twice to suit a specific agenda.
“Both amendments lack legal substance and thoroughness in drafting. Their purpose is evidently to achieve a predetermined objective known to the Anambra people – winning all chairmanship and councillorship positions for the incumbent governor, even at significant costs.
“This blatant assault on the democratic procedure by an elected governor who pledged to uphold the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is based on biased legal counsel, suggesting that local government election disputes should be solely resolved within the State High Court system, which relies on the governor’s favor for its welfare.
“The John Nwosu Campaign Organisation staunchly opposes this authoritarian approach to the Anambra State local government election hastily scheduled for September 28, 2024, without genuine and comprehensive consultations.
“I urge caution to the organizers and prospective participants to develop a process and operational framework that fosters trust and solidarity among the Anambra people, rather than risking chaos and further security challenges in our beloved state,” he added.