Following a recent timetable release for a Nigerian election scheduled for November, stakeholders of the state’s leading opposition parties have expressed support for the upcoming polls, as it aligns with the constitution of Nigeria.
When Will The Election Hold?
According to an announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Anambra State Governorship poll is scheduled to hold on November 6, 2021, as the tenure of the sitting governor will expire on March 17, 2022. In line with the constitution, elections for the seat shall hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days to the expiration of the term of office of the last holder.
Parties’ Response
Speaking on behalf of the nationwide ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party’s State Chairman, Basil Ejidike, welcomed the new timetable while announcing the party’s readiness to reclaim power back from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) party.
“It is not a surprise to us, INEC made it known before now that the election would come up in November, we have been getting prepared,” Ejidike explained. “We have started mobilising our members in every local government and communities. With this time table from INEC, we are good to go.”
The party chairman furthermore revealed the party’s commitment to working through its issues to ensure a more united front, saying, “Before now, we are like a house divided but this time, no one will be left behind, we are going into the election as one body.”
Similarly, an aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Valentine Ozigbo, explained that the lengthy period between the primary elections and the main polls would allow for potential issues to be resolved before the main elections.
“Considering the complexity, rancorous nature, sky-high interests involved in electioneering processes, and the unique political environment of Anambra State, it is worthwhile and laudable of INEC to bring the people up to speed on the its plans early enough.”
Primary elections in this state in Nigeria are set to hold in the state between June 10 and July 1, while a final list of candidates will be published in October.
This story is part of our new series on Nigeria where we analyse electoral and political reform in the country ahead of the next general elections in 2023.
