Anambra Governorship election hits up as party leaders task INEC on voter registration

www.odogwublog.com reports that the National Chairmen of some political parties have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that proper enlightenment campaign is carried out for voters ahead of the Nov. 18 Anambra governorship election. The chairmen, in separate interviews with newsmen, said they also expect the commission to keep to its promise to conduct a transparent, free, fair and credible election.
INEC had, at a stakeholders’ forum in Awka, said that it had concluded preparations for the conduct of the election and assured political parties and voters of a level playing field. The National Chairman of Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Alhaji Balarabe Musa, told newsmen that proper enlightenment of voters ahead of elections was important in preventing voter aparthy. “I expect INEC to conduct a peaceful, free and fair election; it should most importantly also, carry out an informative campaign in the state ahead of the election. “It is as well the responsibility of politicians and the commission to do so. We do not want to experience voter apathy this time,” Musa said. The National Chairman of Progressive Action Congress (PAC), Chief Charles Nwodo, said that the Anambra election was a litmus test for the commission. He urged the commission to re-orientate the staff on the use of electronic systems and ensure that card readers function properly.
Nwodo also advised INEC to carry out massive voter education on how to vote and ensure people’s votes count. The chairman urged INEC to collaborate with security agencies, especially the police, to ensure that the security of its personnel and the people of Anambra state are guaranteed.

Also speaking , the National Chairman of National Solidarity Democratic Party (NSDP), Chief Udemba Chukwudolue, urged INEC to conduct the election as an umpire would. “First of all, we expect INEC as the electoral umpire to face the election squarely and resist any attempt or form of being lured to rig or even participate. “It should also ensure that materials meant for the election arrive early and are effectively deployed to various units so as to ease tension on people. “Above all, there must be adequate awareness campaign as this has been a major problem and reason why people do not come out to vote,” Chukwudolue said. However, the National Chairman of African Liberation Party (ALP), Chief Osita Okereke, said for INEC to truly conduct credible elections in Nigeria, there was the need for the commission to have a totally new set of commissioners.