The Enugu State chapters of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP) have distanced themselves from an endorsement made by Obioma Nnamani, the state chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, and Dr. Afam Ani, the Secretary, regarding the credibility of the just-concluded Local Government elections in Enugu State.
Hon. Obioma Nnamani and Dr. Afam Ani serve as the state chairman of the Boot Party (BP) and the Action Peoples Party (APP), respectively.
In a statement made available to DAILY GAZETTE on Sunday, APGA State Chairman, Ekene Uzodinma described the endorsement as “misleading and unrepresentative of the true state of affairs” concerning the elections.
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According to Uzodinma, APGA, as a party that actively participated in the elections, witnessed numerous irregularities and electoral malpractices that undermined the integrity of the whole process.
“While their endorsement of the election’s credibility is concerning, it contradicts APGA’s values and commitment to free and transparent democratic processes,” Uzodinma remarked.
He expressed disappointment that the Boot Party and APP, which, according to him, did not participate in the council elections, issued such a statement, given the concerns raised by political parties that actively contested the polls.
Uzodinma accused Nnamani and Ani of being compromised, rather than fulfilling their roles as Chairman and Secretary of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), respectively.
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He noted that their affirmation of the election’s credibility, despite the evident issues, called into question their impartiality and credibility.
Uzodinma urged the people of Enugu State and the public to disregard the statement made by Nnamani and Ani and reassured APGA supporters that the party remains committed to upholding democratic principles.
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He emphasized that APGA would continue to advocate for free, fair, and transparent elections in Enugu State.
On his part, the Chairman of the Young Progressives Party in Enugu State, Engr. Tony Udeani, said the statement issued by Nnamani and Ani, who serve as IPAC Chairman and Secretary, was particularly troubling.
“Neither of their parties participated in the LG election. So, they have no moral right to endorse the election process without consulting parties that were directly involved,” Udeani said.
“IPAC is an umbrella body consisting of 19 political parties, including the Boot Party and APP, but many of the parties that took part in the election have since expressed concern over the irregularities,” Udeani added.
Udeani alleged that the election was marred by the absence of result sheets in many polling units and a lack of elections in several areas.
