The African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Enugu State has expressed disappointment over the local government election held on Saturday, describing it as a charade. According to the party, the exercise was an “APC vs APC” selection process, lacking genuine competition from other political parties. The ADC alleged that the chairmen and councillors had already been selected by the state government and the ruling party, making the election a mere formality.
The opposition party also condemned the restriction of movement imposed across the state during the election, saying it disrupted economic activities and prevented residents from going about their lawful businesses. Traders did not open their shops, commercial drivers did not work, and daily income earners went hungry, all due to the restriction. The ADC described this as a severe economic loss for the state, questioning the need for such a measure.
In a statement issued by its media team and signed by Paul Anigbogu, the ADC accused the state government of irresponsible use of taxpayers’ money and executive power. The party alleged that the government imposed handpicked individuals as leaders of the 17 local government areas, rather than allowing for a genuine democratic process. This, according to the ADC, is not an election but a selection process.
The ADC further criticised the state government for not providing a level playing field for other political parties to participate in the election. The party described the exercise as a “coronation” of handpicked candidates, rather than a genuinely contested election. The ADC argued that public funds should not have been expended on an election that lacked genuine competition.
The party also highlighted the promises of its 2027 governorship candidate, Ocho Obodoeze, if elected governor. According to the ADC, Obodoeze would ensure genuine competition and grassroots participation in local government elections. The party promised that an ADC administration would prioritise road construction, prompt payment of workers’ and teachers’ salaries, and payment of pensioners’ gratuities and monthly pensions.
The ADC also pledged to protect freedom of movement and the right of residents to conduct businesses, which it accused the APC-led government of undermining. The party alleged that the current government has worsened hunger and hardship in the state. The ADC expressed its commitment to genuine democracy and promised to learn from the shortcomings of the recent local government election.
Moving forward, the ADC vowed to provide a better governance model for Enugu State, should its candidate win the 2027 governorship election. With Ocho Obodoeze at the helm, the party promised to usher in a new era of genuine democracy, where public funds are utilised judiciously and the people have a say in the selection of their leaders.
Key points
- The ADC described the local government election as an “APC vs APC” selection process.
- The party condemned the restriction of movement imposed during the election.
- The ADC accused the state government of imposing handpicked individuals as local government leaders.
