The African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Enugu State has described Saturday’s local government election in the state as an “APC vs APC” selection process, alleging that the exercise lacked genuine competition.
The opposition party also condemned the restriction of movement imposed across the state during the election, saying it disrupted economic activities and prevented residents from going about their lawful businesses.
In a statement issued by its media team on Saturday and signed by Paul Anigbogu, the party said public funds should not have been expended on an election in which, according to it, the chairmen and councillors had already been selected by the state government and the ruling party.
The ADC alleged that other political parties were not provided with a level playing field to participate in the election, describing the exercise as a “coronation” of handpicked candidates.
The party said, “Today, traders did not open their shops. Commercial drivers did not work and daily income earners went hungry, all because the APC government in Enugu State purportedly conducted a local government election between APC and APC.
“This is not an election. It is selection. Other parties were not given a level playing field. There was no genuine contest. So, why did the entire state suffer economic loss for such a charade?
“Enugu State cannot stop moving because of an APC family meeting. We need genuine democracy, not autocracy.”
The ADC further accused the state government of irresponsible use of taxpayers’ money and executive power by allegedly imposing handpicked individuals as leaders of the 17 local government areas.
The party said its 2027 governorship candidate, Ocho Obodoeze, would ensure genuine competition and grassroots participation if elected governor.
“Ocho Obodoeze will never punish Enugu citizens in this manner. He will make sure that the people decide their leaders at the council level. There will be no more waste of public funds on charades called elections. Every election will be genuinely contested by all political parties,” the statement added.
The party also promised that an ADC administration would prioritise road construction across the three senatorial districts, prompt payment of workers’ and teachers’ salaries, and payment of pensioners’ gratuities and monthly pensions.
It further pledged to protect freedom of movement and the right of residents to conduct businesses, while accusing the APC-led government of worsening hunger and hardship in the state.
Enugu LG poll: ADC accuses APC of ‘selection’, condemns movement restriction