Enugu: Two Days To LG Elections, Residents Unsure Of Candidates

Thirty-seven political parties would contest this Saturday’s local government election in Enugu State, but many of those expected to vote do not know the candidates running for elective positions.

There are 17 local government areas and 260 electoral wards in the state.

Investigations by THE WHISTLER show that voter apathy may characterise the exercise slated for February 29 as many residents claimed they were not aware of the elections while others express indifference.

Chika Mmadu, a trader, said, “Nobody told me about the election. I don’t think the parties campaigned at all. I don’t even know the names of the candidates. Again, whether we vote or not, the Peoples Democratic Party will still win. The election is being conducted by the state electoral commission, so there is no way the election will be free and fair.”

A teacher who does not want his name in print said since only the ruling Peoples Democratic Party had ran any form of campaign, the election would be a no contest.

 “It will be an academic exercise. It is only the PDP that is serious. Because of the power of incumbency, it will be an easy ride for the party. It fielded candidates for all the positions,” he said.

Analysts also believe that the recent deregistration of some political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission had contributed to the inaction by many of the parties, who remained unsure of their fate ahead of the polls.

 According to Charles Okpe, “It will be suicidal to embark on campaign when your party is still in court for status determination. The deregistration was ill-timed. It is true that some parties were cleared by ENSIEC even ahead of the ruling in the court, but that will not affect the verdict of the court.”

The chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Enugu State chapter, Ken Ikeh, a lawyer, called on the registered political parties and security agencies to ensure a hitch-free electoral poll. He said “the stakeholders should play by the rules. Parties should mobilise voters very well because it is open. I also urge security agencies to up their games to ensure rancour-free polls.”

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Waste Management Agency, ESWAMA, has cancelled this month’s sanitation exercise billed for Saturday. The agency said the cancellation was to enable electorate to vote.