The Anambra State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has firmly rejected the results of the local government elections held on Saturday, asserting that the process was flawed and unfair.
In a recent interview on Monday, the party’s state chairman, Chigozie Igwe, voiced his strong discontent with the outcome announced by the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC).
The commission’s chairperson, Genevieve Osakwe, declared that candidates from the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won in all 21 local councils and 326 wards, labeling the elections as free, fair, credible, and peaceful.
However, Igwe countered these claims, referring to the election as a “charade.”
He emphasized that the PDP had not chosen to boycott the elections like some other political parties did, which he believed positioned them to rightfully contest the results.
“We were committed to the electoral process,” he stated, highlighting that the PDP participated fully in the lead-up to the election.
Igwe explained that the party was given only one month to prepare for the elections.
During this limited timeframe, they managed to sell nomination forms, screen candidates, conduct primaries, and campaign extensively.
“We fulfilled all necessary requirements to ensure a credible election,” he said. This commitment to the electoral process made their rejection of the results even more significant.
On election day, however, Igwe alleged that the conduct of the ANSIEC officials was questionable.
He claimed that the electoral materials and officials were dispatched to arbitrary locations, which severely hampered the voting process.
“No results were posted at various polling stations, including Zikdton Primary School in Nza Ozubulu, where I voted,” he remarked. This lack of transparency and accessibility led him to conclude that the entire exercise was not a genuine election.
Igwe also mentioned that many voters were disenfranchised, as they could not find their polling stations or were unaware of where to vote.
This confusion and lack of organization, he argued, undermined the integrity of the electoral process. “It is unacceptable for a democratic process to be marred by such chaos,” he stated.
Looking ahead, the PDP is currently studying the details of the election results to prepare for a formal challenge.
Igwe expressed confidence that the party would pursue all necessary legal avenues to contest the results, emphasizing that they were committed to fighting for a fair and just electoral process in Anambra State.
