In a shocking twist, Labour Party in Anambra State accuses APGA of political fraud, claiming that known APGA members have been listed as Labour Party candidates for the upcoming local government election. The party vows to challenge the illegalities in court.
In a bizarre political twist, the Labour Party (LP) in Anambra State has alleged the illegal insertion of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) members as its candidates for the upcoming Local Government Area (LGA) election, set for September 28, 2024. According to the Labour Party, it never sold forms nor conducted any primary elections to nominate candidates for the election. Yet, several known APGA stalwarts, including transition committee chairmen and former councilors, were dubiously listed as LP candidates.
At a press conference held at the Labour Party’s state secretariat, the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Engr. Theo Egbe, denounced the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) for what he described as a criminal assault on due process. He called the upcoming election a sham, accusing the state government and ANSIEC of orchestrating electoral fraud to manipulate the process in favor of APGA.
“They conducted these elections in their rooms and are only waiting to announce the results,” Egbe claimed, calling for a halt to the illegitimate process. The Labour Party is now gearing up for a legal battle, vowing to challenge the fraudulent actions in court.
In its statement, Labour Party revealed that several of the names published as its candidates belong to APGA members. One of the most notable figures on the list is Mr. Nwafor Chinonso Charlesmary Casmir, a current APGA transition committee chairman in Orumba North LGA. Other names include past and current APGA transition councilors, further underscoring the alleged political conspiracy.
Labour Party has remained steadfast in its refusal to participate in what it describes as a bogus election. According to the party, the process is riddled with illegalities, and it had earlier sued ANSIEC to prevent the electoral body from including it in the farcical election.
The party, however, emphasized that it remains law-abiding and will continue to pursue justice through the legal system, urging ANSIEC and the Anambra State Government to reschedule the election and organize a fair and lawful process.
The political atmosphere in Anambra has grown increasingly tense as allegations of fraud and manipulation surface ahead of the election. Labour Party’s revelations have added a layer of mystery and controversy to the already charged political environment, with many questioning the integrity of the electoral process under Governor Charles Soludo’s APGA-led administration.
As Anambra’s September 28 LGA election draws near, the Labour Party’s accusations have raised concerns about the legitimacy of the democratic process in the state. With APGA loyalists allegedly posing as Labour Party candidates, the stage is set for a fierce political battle, both at the polls and in court.