Anambra Election: INEC Accused Of Fueling Controversy Surrounding Candidates In Parties
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been accused by Save Anambra Group (SAG), a non-governmental, non-partisan pressure group, of stoking problems about candidacy in several political parties in Anambra State.
The group expressed displeasure with INEC’s actions, alleging that it has denied some political parties access to their preferred governorship candidates by recognizing candidates who are neither sponsored or endorsed by them.
SAG’s National Coordinator, Dr. Okwuoma Okeke, issued a statement on Monday in Awka, expressing concern that INEC looks involved in the conflict emerging among confederates by giving tacit encouragement to select individuals/groups.
“We have watched in consternation the unfolding drama and treachery surrounding the acceptance of candidates for the Anambra gubernatorial elections, and have reasons to conclude that INEC has not shown enough independence in its conduct so far.
“How can any sane person not see the obvious attempt to whittle down the strength of some parties by denying their candidates recognition? Why the hurried acceptance of a court judgement from Birnin Kudu, and yet dithering to accept vacation of the same by a superior court?” The group queried.
SAG said it has reasons to believe that INEC is playing the script of some external forces bent on foisting an unpopular party and candidate on the people of Anambra State.
The group wondered why INEC would be aiding and abetting subterfuge by a desperate candidate bent on excluding others so as to have a free ride to Anambra Government house.
“Having observed the obvious inconsistencies and INEC’s lack of transparency so far, we have decided to sound the warning before it is too late, to avoid a situation where the umpire becomes so engrossed in furthering the agenda of the ruling party and ignore the signs of conflagration that will be the outcome, if the right things are not done.
“We therefore use this medium to call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to call on officials of INEC to live-up to its “independence,” in Anambra and stop meddling, and rein in some actors in his cabinet who are piling pressure on the umpire to sabotage the will of ndi Anambra.
“We also urge the Judiciary to continue to maintain its independence and avoid being drawn in by mercantile politicians who can only lure them only to be ridiculed by the truth. Ndi Anambra and indeed all men of goodwill are watching with keen interest and will not allow the will of the people to be trampled on,” the group said.
