As the September 26 local government elections in Enugu State draw closer, the Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed rumours that the party would boycott the elections, insisting that its candidates remain firmly on the ballot.
The State Chairman of the party, Dr. Johnpaul Anih, made this known on Monday while speaking with newsmen in Enugu, describing the alleged boycott plan as another desperate attempt by what he described as a “committee of friends” to create confusion within the party and discourage its members from participating in the elections.
Dr. Anih urged party faithful across the 17 local government areas of the state, as well as members of the public, to disregard the rumour, stressing that the NDC remains fully committed to the September 26 polls.
According to him, the party has followed the appropriate processes for the emergence and presentation of its candidates and has no reason whatsoever to withdraw from an election for which it has prepared.
“This is yet another attempt by ‘committee of friends’ to discourage our party members from participating in the election. But, once again, their antics have failed.”
“You cannot place something on nothing and expect it to stand. There is no decision of the legitimate leadership of the NDC in Enugu State to boycott the local government election.”
“The State Working Committee under my watch remains focused, resolute and committed to ensuring that our candidates participate fully in the September 26 election. We have a responsibility to our members and to the people of Enugu State, and we will not abandon that responsibility because of rumours or distractions,” he said.
The NDC chairman further cautioned party members against relying on information circulated through unofficial channels, urging them to verify any directive concerning the election from the recognised leadership of the party.
He said the leadership of the party would continue to provide necessary guidance to its candidates and members as the election approaches.
Dr. Anih also issued a stern warning to individuals he accused of deliberately spreading false information capable of misleading party members.
“We will not allow anybody, under any guise, to mislead our members or create unnecessary confusion within the party.”
“The NDC is prepared for this election. Our candidates are prepared, our members are mobilised, and we are going to the polls on September 26. There is no boycott,” he added.
The chairman called on NDC supporters across the state to remain calm, united and focused, assuring them that the party would continue to work within the law and established electoral procedures to protect its interests and those of its candidates.
He maintained that the NDC would not be distracted by what he described as “empty threats, rumours and political theatrics,” urging the electorate to expect the party on the ballot on September 26.
