Anambra election: INEC accused of fueling controversy surrounding candidature in parties

A non-governmental, non-partisan pressure group, Save Anambra Group (SAG), has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of fueling controversies over candidature in some political parties in Anambra State.

The group frowned at the activities of INEC, which they said have denied some political parties of their choices of governorship candidates, by recognizing other candidates that are not sponsored and supported by them.

In a statement issued on Monday in Awka, and signed by the National Coordinator of SAG, Dr. Okwuoma Okeke, the group expressed worry that the INEC appears complicit, by giving tacit encouragement to some individual/group in the crisis brewing among contenders in the various political parties.

“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 judgment 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 the 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.