LP Lawmaker and APGA Clash Over Anambra LG Election

Afam Ogene, the House of Representatives member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the recent amendment to the Anambra State Electoral Law by the State House of Assembly. Ogene, who also leads the Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives, criticized the move, describing it as undemocratic and an attempt to undermine opposition parties.

The controversy arose after Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, inaugurated the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) under the leadership of Genevieve Osakwe as its chairman. Following this, the Commission set September 28, 2024, as the date for local government elections, marking the first such elections in the state in a decade.

Ogene issued a statement from Awka, the state capital, condemning the swift amendment to the electoral law. He highlighted that the state Assembly reduced the notice period for local government elections from 60 days to 30 days, a change he believes is politically motivated and designed to disadvantage opposition parties. He argued that this sudden amendment could potentially lead to a predetermined election outcome.

Ogene further criticized the election date, stating that it falls short of the constitutionally required 60-day notice period. He accused Governor Soludo and the State Assembly of using undemocratic methods to handpick local government leaders, which he believes will lead to widespread disenfranchisement at the grassroots level due to the limited time for proper election preparations.

In response, Soludo’s Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, dismissed Ogene’s claims, stating that the lawmaker does not represent the views of Anambra citizens. He emphasized that the people of Anambra are supportive of Governor Soludo’s efforts to conduct local government elections, which have not been held in the state for a decade.

APGA’s National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, also responded to Ogene’s criticisms, accusing him of undermining his own party. Opara pointed out that Labour Party lawmakers were present during the amendment session and challenged Ogene to address his concerns with his party members in the state Assembly.

The clash between the Labour Party and the APGA-led government highlights the tension surrounding the upcoming local government elections in Anambra State.