Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-01-26 03:03:19
As political parties gear up for the February 3 rerun election in Udenu/Igboeze north federal constituency, Enugu State, it seems that there is a level of voter apathy and disinterest among stakeholders. This disengagement could potentially impact the outcome of the rerun election, which is to rectify the annulled previous election.
The heightened excitement and fervor that typically surrounds electoral contests seems to be lacking in the upcoming rerun House of Representatives election for Igboeze North/Udenu federal constituency. This lack of enthusiasm can be attributed to various factors, including the recent court rulings regarding the 2023 general elections and uncertainty about the potential outcome of the rerun election.
The Court of Appeal nullified the election of Labour Party’s Dennis Agbo for the Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency and ordered a rerun within 90 days for all the parties. This decision came as a result of a successful appeal by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Oby Ajih, who challenged the ruling of the tribunal.
The rerun election is set to take place in 166 polling units in Udenu and Igboeze North local government councils. Information from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) revealed that there are 62,688 registered voters and 61,544 collected Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) in these local governments.
Moreover, the upcoming election will only take place in areas where the APC logo was missing, adding a layer of complexity to the process. Despite these challenges, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Enugu State has reassured political parties and candidates that the electoral body is fully prepared to conduct a smooth and inclusive rerun election on February 3.
In the midst of these developments, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state is facing internal challenges and a lack of party activity, adding further uncertainty to the rerun election. On the other hand, the APC has shown determination and confidence in their candidate, Oby Ajih, by unveiling an expanded campaign council for the rerun election.
Amidst all of this, the candidate of the Labour Party, Dennis Agbo, who won the election last year, remains confident in his ability to secure another victory in the rerun. His past experience and commitment to serving the people underpin his candidacy.
As the rerun election approaches, the political landscape in Udenu/Igboeze North federal constituency is marked by uncertainty and a sense of disengagement among stakeholders. The outcome of the upcoming election remains unpredictable, as the various political parties navigate challenges and strategize for success.
Read the original article on The Guardian
