The Labour Party (LP) has filed a lawsuit against the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) at the Federal High Court in Awka, challenging the publication of a list of candidates purported to be from the party for the local government elections on September 28, 2024.

The suit, numbered FHC/AWK/223/2024, also names the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the director-general of the State Security Services (SSS), and 14 others as defendants.

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At a press briefing held in Awka, LP’s Publicity Secretary in Anambra, Chief Theo Egbe, revealed that the party had officially withdrawn from the election.

He denounced the names listed as LP candidates in eight of the state’s 21 local government areas—Idemili-North, Orumba-North, Nnewi-North, Aguata, Awka-North, Oyi, and Anambra East—as “fake.”

According to Egbe, these candidates were primarily members of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and included individuals from local government transition committees.

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Egbe further accused the state legislature of manipulating the amendments to ANSIEC’s governing law and election guidelines, which he claimed were designed to favor the ruling party and disadvantage opposition parties.

He assured that the LP had no internal divisions and that the party’s national leadership, led by Nenadi Usman, had also endorsed the withdrawal from the local government elections.

In a related development, both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have also withdrawn from the elections, citing concerns that amendments to the ANSIEC Act conflicted with national laws governing the conduct of elections by INEC.

Additionally, the national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Edozie Njoku, condemned the list of APGA candidates as illegal, asserting that it was not endorsed by his party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

Buba Galadima, a prominent member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has asserted that the upcoming cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Tinubu will not bring about any significant change for Nigerians.

On September 25, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, announced that Tinubu intends to reorganize his cabinet, although he did not provide a specific timeline for this change.

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During an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Friday, Galadima criticized the planned reshuffle, arguing that it fails to address the pressing challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians.

He suggested that the move is more about rewarding political allies than improving governance.

Galadima pointed out the ongoing foreign exchange crisis affecting the naira, urging the president to prioritize resolving this economic issue.

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“The planned cabinet reshuffle has nothing to do with me or any Nigerian,” he stated. “What matters to us is alleviating the harsh living conditions. Ultimately, accountability lies with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. No reshuffling will make a difference if it’s merely a ‘job for the boys.’”

He emphasized that those in power must be held responsible for their cabinet’s performance, remarking that many appointees appear more focused on personal gain than effective service delivery.

“I expected him to do better and to act decisively,” he added.

Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State, cast his vote during the ongoing Local Government elections at polling unit 002 located at Ofuiyi Square, Umueze, in Isuofia Ward 13, Aguata LGA.

He arrived at approximately 11:45 a.m.

After exercising his franchise, Governor Soludo expressed his contentment with the peaceful conduct of the elections in a brief interview with journalists.

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He reported that feedback indicated a smooth voting process across all polling units in the state’s 21 local government areas.

He encouraged citizens to actively participate in the electoral process, commending the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission for its prompt initiation of the voting activities.

“This election exemplifies a promise fulfilled,” he stated, emphasizing the transparency and integrity of the Local Government elections. “From the information I have received prior to my arrival, voting is taking place peacefully here and in other regions of the state.”

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Soludo noted a significant level of enthusiasm among voters, stating, “People are endorsing the excellent work we have accomplished. We are the only party that presented candidates for all 21 chairmanship and 326 councillorship positions.”

He concluded by likening the election atmosphere to a “mock referendum,” expressing optimism that the will of the people would prevail in the outcome.

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, October 1, 2024, as a public holiday in celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Nigerians both at home and abroad on the historic occasion.

The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, relayed the minister’s message, which praised the resilience and dedication of Nigerians, emphasizing that their sacrifices will not be forgotten.

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Dr. Tunji-Ojo also reflected on the theme for the celebration, urging Nigerians to honor the contributions of “our heroes past” and draw inspiration for future challenges, stressing that a united Nigeria is essential for the nation’s progress.

Wishing Nigerians a joyful Independence Day, the minister called on citizens to continue their efforts in nation-building.

The local government elections in Anambra State faced significant setbacks on Saturday due to the late arrival of officials from the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) at polling units statewide.

Although ANSIEC had previously announced that voting would begin at 8 am and conclude by 4 pm, many polling units remained unattended as late as 8:50 am.

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In Awka, a reporter on the ground found no indication that elections were underway at several polling locations.

For instance, at Ukwu Orji Government House, while police officers were on-site, ANSIEC ad-hoc staff had yet to arrive by 9 am.

Polling units impacted by this delay included Aroma Ward Three, Odoagba Ward One, and Unizik Junction Polling Unit.

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In Iyiowa/Odekpe, located in Ogbaru Local Government Area, there were no signs of ANSIEC personnel, security forces, or electoral materials by 9 am, and only a single APGA party agent was present.

The combination of the late start and a noticeable lack of voter engagement, with many residents participating in monthly sanitation activities or attending to their businesses, cast a pall over the elections.