Theo Egbe, the Labour Party spokesperson in Anambra, has announced that the party will not participate in the upcoming council elections scheduled for September 28. According to Egbe, the decision to withdraw from the election is driven by concerns over the electoral process, which he claims does not adhere to the established guidelines.
In an interview conducted in Awka on Thursday, Egbe criticized the current electoral framework, arguing that it fails to comply with the standards set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He explained that the state’s proposed election procedures are not in line with the Electoral Act, which he believes is crucial for ensuring a fair and transparent election. Egbe expressed particular worry about the recent amendments to the act, which regulate various aspects of political party management and dispute resolution.
He feels these changes could undermine the integrity of the election and, as a result, have contributed to the party’s decision to boycott the polls.
Egbe also raised concerns about the fairness of the election process, emphasizing that it is important for the electoral system to provide a level playing field for all candidates. He has called on the government to reschedule the election to better align with INEC’s standards, which are designed to ensure transparency and equal opportunity for all political participants.
In addition to these issues, Egbe reported that the Labour Party’s state office was sealed on August 27. He alleged that this action was taken without prior notice or explanation, which he believes was a deliberate attempt by the state government to obstruct the party’s operations.
According to Egbe, the office, located at Udoka Housing Estate in Awka, was sealed by individuals he suspects are agents of the state government.
Despite these challenges, Egbe urged Labour Party members, supporters, and the general public in Anambra to avoid any unlawful actions in response to the situation. He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and following legal channels to address grievances.
In response, Alex Obiogbolu, a political aide to Governor Charles Soludo, refuted the Labour Party’s allegations regarding the sealing of their office. Obiogbolu clarified that the issue was a dispute between the state housing corporation and the landlord of the property, with no involvement from the state government. He advised the Labour Party to focus on resolving their internal issues rather than attributing their problems to the state government.
