Enugu LG Polls Under Fire: Opposition Alleges Selection Amidst Peace Claims

The recent local government election in Enugu State has drawn sharply contrasting reactions from key political parties. While the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vehemently condemned the exercise, describing it as an "APC vs APC" selection lacking genuine competition, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has commended its peaceful and orderly conduct in areas it monitored, though not without reporting some irregularities.

The ADC, in a statement released by its media team and signed by Paul Anigbogu, alleged that the election was merely a "coronation" of chairmen and councillors already handpicked by the state government and the ruling party. The party decried the significant expenditure of public funds on an election where, they claimed, other political parties were not provided a level playing field. Furthermore, the ADC strongly criticized the imposed restriction of movement across the state, asserting that it severely disrupted economic activities, prevented residents from conducting lawful businesses, and caused daily income earners to go hungry. They stated that "Enugu State cannot stop moving because of an APC family meeting" and called for genuine democracy over autocracy. The ADC accused the state government of irresponsible use of taxpayers' money and executive power by imposing leaders on the 17 local government areas. Looking ahead, the party's 2027 governorship candidate, Ocho Obodoeze, promised to ensure genuine competition and grassroots participation, eliminate wasteful public spending on "charades" disguised as elections, prioritize road construction, ensure prompt payment of workers' salaries and pensioners' gratuities, and protect freedom of movement and business rights, while also accusing the current APC-led government of worsening hunger and hardship.

Conversely, Dr. Johnpaul Ani, the state chairman of the NDC, offered a positive assessment of the election in areas under his party's observation. After casting his ballot in Unit 002, Amaetiti Town Hall, Nkanu West Local Government Area, Ani described the voting process as peaceful, orderly, transparent, and credible. He specifically commended the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) for conducting a "hitch-free exercise" in these monitored locations. However, Ani also revealed that the NDC had received reports of access denial for some of its officials at local government council headquarters, particularly during the distribution of election materials to wards and polling units in Aninri, Nkanu East, and Isi-Uzo. He noted that election materials had not reached some polling units in these affected areas at the time he spoke and urged ENSIEC to investigate these allegations and hold perpetrators accountable. Despite these issues in certain areas, Ani confirmed that election materials were successfully delivered to all polling units in Nkanu West. The NDC deployed agents to monitor the voting, counting, and result collation processes, expressing confidence in their candidates' ability to win due to their understanding of the electorate's concerns. At the time of reporting, an All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Chief Sunday Aniachi, was confirmed as the councillor-elect in Akpugo Ward 5, with the NDC also securing victories in some polling units.