The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has officially boycotted the ongoing Anambra State local government elections in Anambra East Local Government Area, citing widespread violence and electoral irregularities that prevented its candidates and agents from participating. The party’s Local Government Collation Agent for Anambra East, Mr. Charles Ifediora, confirmed the boycott, accusing the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the state government of orchestrating a campaign of intimidation to suppress opposition participation. He revealed that one of the party’s female members was shot during the incident and rushed to a hospital for treatment, underscoring the dangerous environment faced by opposition supporters.
Anambra State held its local government elections on Saturday, with APGA fielding chairmanship candidates across all 21 LGAs and councillorship candidates for the 326 wards in the state. While most opposition parties did not field any candidates, YPP made an exception by presenting a candidate for the chairmanship position in Anambra East LGA, along with candidates for all 15 councillorship positions covering 241 polling units. Despite this significant show of commitment, the party’s efforts were thwarted by what Ifediora described as coordinated acts of violence and obstruction.
According to Ifediora, when YPP agents and supporters gathered at their designated polling stations, they were barred from carrying out their duties. Gunshots were heard throughout the area, creating a climate of fear and chaos. He alleged that security operatives linked to Agunechemba and Udo Ga-achi vigilante groups—mobilized allegedly by the state government—were deployed to disrupt opposition activities. This, he said, amounted to a deliberate attempt to sabotage the electoral process and ensure a one-sided outcome.
Ifediora condemned the conduct of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, calling the election a “sham” orchestrated to entrench political dominance. He emphasized that the situation was particularly distressing given the YPP’s full-scale participation in the electoral process, with candidates contesting every ward in Anambra East. The party’s decision to boycott reflects deep concerns over the integrity and safety of future elections in the state.
By 1:00 pm, no election activities were observed in key areas such as Awka, the state capital, or surrounding communities within Anambra East LGA. The absence of voting operations raises serious questions about the transparency and fairness of the electoral exercise. As the dust settles, stakeholders are urging authorities to investigate the allegations of violence and ensure accountability. The events in Anambra East may set a troubling precedent for local governance and democratic participation in Nigeria’s southeastern region.
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