Anambra State Ends Decade-Long Wait: Local Government Elections Set for September 2024

After a decade of delays, Anambra State is finally poised to hold its local government elections on September 28, 2024. This announcement by the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) marks a significant milestone for the state, which has seen no local elections since 2013.

The decision comes after a period of heightened anticipation and advocacy from Civil Society Organizations and various stakeholders. Under the leadership of Professor Chukwuma Soludo, who has been in office for two years, there has been mounting pressure to reinstate democratic processes at the local government level.

ANSIEC Chairman Genevieve C. Osakwe made the announcement in a press release on Monday. She informed all registered political parties and the general public about the upcoming elections, providing details on the election timetable and schedule of activities. These can be accessed at the ANSIEC headquarters in Awka starting August 14, 2024.

This move follows Governor Soludo’s recent inauguration of ANSIEC members, where he emphasized the importance of conducting a free and fair election. The local government elections were also a focal point at the state’s Executive Council meeting on Monday.

The last local government elections in Anambra took place in 2013, during the administration of former Governor Peter Obi. Since then, caretaker committees have been in charge, and no local elections were held during Willie Obiano’s eight-year tenure.

As Anambra prepares for this crucial electoral event, the state’s residents and political actors eagerly await the revival of local governance and the restoration of democratic accountability at the grassroots level.