Anambra Poll: INEC Releases List of Governorship Candidates, but Will Elections Hold?
As campaigns hit top gear towards Anambra state governorship elections coming up on November 6, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the list of governorship candidates for the poll.
In a statement on Thursday, Festus Okoye, INEC national commissioner and chairman of information and voter education committee, said the commission met and deliberated on a wide range of issues including preparations for the Anambra governorship election. Topmost on the agenda is the current security challenges and the unknown gunmen menace and activities of IPOB wreaking havoc in the state.
“In line with the timetable and schedule of activities for the election released on 19th January 2021, the commission has today, 7th October 2021 implemented two additional activities. The final register of voters for the Anambra governorship election was presented to the 18 registered political parties participating in the election at the headquarters of the commission in Awka, Anambra State,” the statement reads.
“Furthermore, the commission released the final list of candidates for the election and has pasted same in the state office of the commission in Awka, Anambra State.
The list has also been uploaded to the commission’s website and social media platforms.”
The list published shows that Valentine Ozigbo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), along with 15 other candidates — all male — are vying for the governorship position.
There are, however, seven females vying for the deputy governorship positions.
However, the attorney general and minister of justice have stated that the federal government could declare a state of emergency in Anambra state if the current security situation worsens and elections are unable to hold. Should IPOB insist on a sit at home order on election day, there could be complete voter apathy.
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