The Labour Party (LP) in Anambra East Local Government Area has threatened to boycott the September 28 council polls.
This decision comes after the party accused the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) of publishing a list of candidates that did not originate from the party.
In a joint statement issued by the LP’s local chairman, Mr Chidi Chinwuba, and secretary, Mr Onyeka Aghadiuno, the party made it clear that it had neither conducted primaries nor submitted any names for the election.
“LP Anambra East Chapter wishes to disassociate itself from the September 28 LG elections,” the statement read, urging the public to disregard the list released by ANSIEC.
The party also warned the commission of potential legal action should it proceed with the inclusion of purported LP candidates.
“Those responsible for this are mischief makers seeking to deceive the innocent and law-abiding citizens,” the party added, hinting at a compromised election process.
ANSIEC Chairperson, Mrs Genevieve Osakwe, had earlier published the final list of candidates on September 11, stating that the elections would be free and fair.
However, LP’s disavowal casts doubts on the transparency of the process, with the party already in court challenging the electoral proceedings.
