Anambra LGA Election: APC Sues ANSIEC and State Assembly
The Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken legal action against the State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) and the State House of Assembly over the scheduled date for the local government elections.
The APC is asking the court to prevent ANSIEC from conducting the local government council elections planned for September 28.
According to a writ of summons with suit number 261/2024, obtained by our reporter at the Anambra State High Court in Awka, the APC wants the court to stop ANSIEC from holding the local government council elections under the amended Anambra State electoral law.
The party is also seeking an order to cancel and invalidate any elections held by ANSIEC on September 28, based on Section 23 of the Anambra State Electoral Law 2024.
Additionally, the APC requests an injunction to stop ANSIEC, its agents, employees, or any representatives from enforcing the provisions of Section 23(1) of the amended Anambra State Electoral Law 2024.
The party is also seeking a court declaration that, according to Paragraph 12 of Part II of the Second Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 150 of the Electoral Act 2022, the National Assembly has the authority to legislate on voter registration and election procedures for local government councils.
The APC argues that Section 23(1) of the Anambra State Electoral Law 2024, which requires a 30-day notice period for local government council elections, is invalid because it conflicts with Section 103(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which governs the conduct of council elections.
The party contends that ANSIEC cannot legally conduct elections in the state’s 21 local government councils without complying with Section 103(3) and Section 150 of the National Electoral Act.
Finally, the APC is seeking an order requiring ANSIEC to issue statutory notice of the election to the plaintiff as mandated by Section 103(3) of the Electoral Act 2022.
