Amid growing concerns about the integrity of the upcoming local government elections in Anambra State, the Anambra State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Somto Udenze, has come under fire for its recent amendments to the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) and Local Government Laws. Critics argue that these changes, allegedly pushed through by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, violate constitutional provisions and established legal precedents.
The amendments, passed on Wednesday, reduced the election notice period from 60 days to just 30 days, a move that has sparked widespread criticism. The APGA Interactive Forum (AIF Media) has condemned the amendment as unconstitutional, citing its inconsistency with the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act. They argue that the changes disregard a 2010 Supreme Court ruling which clarified the legal standards for such amendments.
The bills, sponsored by lawmakers Mr. Ikenna Ofodeme and Mr. Chukwunonso Igwe, were fast-tracked through the legislative process, with all three readings completed in a single day and minimal opposition. The amendments also stipulate that candidate nominations must be endorsed by the state chairman and secretary of the political party, as elected at a congress monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
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Anambra State to Hold Local Government Elections on September 28th, 2024
In addition to these changes, the Assembly passed a bill that removes sections related to the conduct of local government elections from the previous law. The swift passage of these amendments has raised concerns about their legality and the motivations behind them.
AIF Media accused Governor Soludo of attempting to manipulate the electoral process, noting that despite his campaign promise to conduct local government elections within six months of taking office, he has delayed the elections for over two years. The group also highlighted the suspicious timing of the amendments, which coincided with a lawsuit filed by the Attorney General of the Federation seeking autonomy for local governments.
Critics argue that these amendments are part of a broader strategy by Governor Soludo to maintain control over the local government election process. They point to the hasty inauguration of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) and the subsequent election notice as evidence of this. With less than seven weeks remaining before the September 28th election, concerns are mounting that the rushed amendments will undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
AIF Media has called on the SIEC to reconsider holding the election, warning that it may be voided by the courts due to its non-compliance with the Supreme Court’s ruling in the 2010 ACN vs OSIEC case. As the election date approaches, the legality and fairness of the process remain in question, with potential implications for the democratic governance of Anambra State.
