Anambra Poll A Defining Test For Amupitan- Atiku
Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said next weekend’s Anambra State governorship election will be a defining test of the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission under its chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan.
Atiku, in a post on X on Sunday, argued that the November 8 poll was not just another off-cycle election but a chance for voters to chart a new direction for the state.
He urged residents to rally behind the African Democratic Congress candidate, Nwosu Chima John, and his running mate, Nwobu Geoffrey Ndubisi.
He said, “The Anambra State governorship election next weekend is one in the number of off-cycle elections according to the country’s election timetable.
“But, rather than being like any other, the election to elect the next governor of Anambra State on November 8 offers a unique opportunity to end the era of poor governance in the state in addition to ensuring that the ruling All Progressives Congress does not get the chance of practising its notoriety of snatching and running away with the mandate of the people.”
Atiku added that the election would also show whether the electoral umpire had truly turned a new page.
“It is also an opportunity for the electoral umpire under the leadership of Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN, to prove to the world that it has turned a new page, and that the integrity of our election would not be sacrificed for the satisfaction of the ruling party,” he said.
He urged registered voters to mobilise heavily for the ADC candidate, saying Anambra had a history of significant political relevance in Nigeria.
The Independent National Electoral Commission recently declared Anambra fully prepared for the poll following a week-long readiness tour by senior officials from the commission in Abuja.
The delegation, led by National Commissioner for Election Planning and Monitoring, Rhoda Gumus, assessed logistics, facilities and security arrangements across the state.
Other members on the inspection team included National Commissioners Sam Olumekun, Kenneth Ukeagu and Baba Bila.
On the other hand, the All Progressives Congress expressed confidence that it would win the election.
The party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, said at a campaign rally in Onitsha that the APC’s candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, would emerge victorious.