APGA, YPP Set for Anambra LG Poll as Other Parties Stay Away

Only the All Progressives Grand Alliance and the Young Progressives Party will run in the state's local government elections on August 29, according to the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission.

In a conversation with media in Awka on Friday, Anthony Chinedu, the ANSIEC Commissioner in charge of Information and Publicity, revealed this, pointing out that the commission had started the required preparations to guarantee a reliable poll.

According to Chinedu, the commission has previously published the schedule and rules for the September 2025 elections, giving every registered political party an equal chance to take part. 

In September 2025, the commission published the election schedule and schedule of events for the 2026 LGA elections. All of the state's political parties were welcome to take part.

"But unintentionally, only APGA and YPP took part, while other political parties did not, until the primary period ended," he stated.

He questioned why other political parties weren't involved in the process and maintained that there was no one to blame for those who didn't submit candidates.

"Why didn't you participate in the election process if you think you are a recognized political party with supporters? Who is at fault? In a sense, only the YPP and APGA are running candidates for the elections on August 29. 

The commissioner assured residents that the exercise would be free, fair and credible, stressing that the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, would not interfere in the electoral process.

Since the election will be free, fair, and legitimate, as I previously stated, we do not anticipate any difficulties.

"The Commission will declare the winner of the election to be the real winner. "It's okay if it's APGA or YPP," he stated.

Additionally, Chinedu revealed that the commission had started making arrangements for the sensitive and non-sensitive materials required to conduct the election.

However, he urged citizens to actively engage in the electoral process, expressing concern over the state's rising voter apathy. 

You see, people don't know what it means to cast a ballot. Someone will simply state that he would not cast a ballot because he disagrees with the actions of the government.

"I always tell people that it is wrong; if you don't go to vote, you are indirectly endorsing the wrong people to take over the government. It's that simple," he continued.

Instead of boycotting elections, he urged eligible voters to avoid indifference and utilize the ballot to voice their displeasure with the government.

According to the PUNCH, APGA won every chairmanship and council seat in the state's local government elections held on September 28, 2024.