The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State has expressed strong opposition to the results of the Local Government Council elections held on Saturday. Chief Chigozie Igwe, the party’s state chairman, voiced his rejection of the outcome during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Monday.
The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) had declared the chairmanship and councillorship candidates of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as winners across all 21 local government councils and 326 wards. Genevieve Osakwe, the ANSIEC Chairman, hailed the election as free, fair, credible, and peaceful.
However, Igwe criticized the election process, calling it a “charade” and accusing ANSIEC of manipulating the election to favor APGA. He emphasized that unlike other parties that boycotted the election, PDP participated fully and is thus in a strong position to challenge the results.
“They gave us one month to prepare for the election, during which we sold forms, screened nominees, conducted primaries, campaigned, and met all necessary conditions,” Igwe explained. “But on election day, ANSIEC sent materials and officials to selective locations, and no results were released, not even at Zikdton Primary School, Nza Ozubulu, where I voted.”
Igwe vowed that the PDP would not only reject the results but also take further action to challenge the process, ensuring that local government autonomy is respected in Anambra. He emphasized that any chairman who misuses local government funds should face legal consequences, with the PDP determined to stand by the people as the leading opposition in the state.
The PDP leader concluded by reiterating the party’s commitment to safeguarding the principles of local government and ensuring proper utilization of public funds for community development.