Anambra Local Govt Election : Confusion As Two Set Of Observers Divide Over Legitimacy

                                               

  

There is total confusion in the ranks of the Coalition of accredited election observers in Nigeria.

A group of 29 observers are of the opinion that the local government poll throughout the 21 council areas was fraught with irregularities.

They therefore called for total cancellation of the result, claiming that sensitive and non-sensitive materials were delayed, denied and distorted. They added that the electoral umpire did not distribute result sheets at most of the polling units.

This was coming as 13 ANSIEC Observers had accepted the election results as meeting the best international practices.

 
In a-6 page communiqué issued and signed by the 29 ANSIEC accredited observers, they claimed voters could not exercise franchise sequel to late arrival of voting materials in almost the polling units, especially at Obodo Ezi 1 and 2, Doris Inn 1 and 2, ward 6 Awka, and there was absent of result sheets at Nibo, Mbaukwu, Amawbia and Okpuno towns, both in Awka South local government area.

They further alleged that ANSIEC staff and poll officials compromised election processes, masterminded gross misconduct and massive rigging in favour of APGA amidst the armed security personnel.

Similarly, the observers said it was worst election ever witnessed in Nigeria, called for outright cancellation, recommended fresh poll, training and retraining of ANSIEC staff and its ad-hoc workers with a view to avert future occurrences.

The communique was signed by Patriotic Women Foundation, International Noble Initiative Club, African Christian Care Trust Organization, Building Peace for Democracy, Justice and Peace Organization, Centre for Strategic Conflicts Management, and World Youth Peace Mission.

Others include Peace and Good Governance Alliance, West African Youth Peace Mission, Credible Election Network, Network of Civil Society Organization among others, and was read by Mr. James Funsho, coordinator, Organization for Human Development.

But moments after another coalition of ANSIEC Accredited Civil Society Organizations says Anambra Local Government Elections complied with international best practices.  Briefing journalists in Awka, the coalition made up of 13 Civil Society Organizations adjudged the exercise as free, fair and credible.

Presenting a communiqué on-behalf of the coalition, the Director General, Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu said they inspected sensitive and non sensitive materials before, during and after the distribution to various Local Government Areas, Wards and polling units across the State.

The communiqué noted that though voting in some polling unit commenced slightly behind schedule at about five minutes past nine o’clock in the morning, voter were allowed to exercise their franchise free, and commended the impressive turnout of electorates across the State. 

It commended ANSIEC for a well focused preparation and high degree of compliance with relevant electorate laws, as well as providing level playing ground for all political parties to compete.

The communiqué noted in particular that declaration of Nnewi North Local Government Area as inconclusive by ANSIEC proved a responsive and responsible commission dedicated to the sustainability of democratic principles based on the Rule of Law which it noted should be emulated by other State Electoral Commissions.

The coalition extolled Governor Peter Obi for not interfering in the electoral process and for his political will and courage in conducting the election, urging politicians to learn to accept defeat in good faith.