12 parties to field candidates in Anambra South by-election

At least 12 political parties will participate in the August 16 by-election in Anambra South Senatorial District.

The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, disclosed this to journalists on Friday in Awka.

She said nine political parties would field candidates in the Onitsha North Constituency 1 by-election for the Anambra State House of Assembly.

The Anambra South seat became vacant following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in July 2024.

Similarly, the lawmaker representing Onitsha North Constituency 1 in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr Justice Azuka, died following his abduction by gunmen on December 24, 2024.

The REC said non-sensitive election materials have already arrived in the state and are being distributed, while robust security measures are in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls.

She noted that the training of ad hoc staffers, including Presiding Officers (POs) and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs), began on Friday and would be concluded on Sunday across 15 local government areas in the state.

“To ensure the credibility of the bye-elections, individuals found culpable in previous exercises have been blacklisted, among other measures taken,’’ Agwu stated.

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She expressed concern that certain political parties are focusing on propaganda rather than genuine campaigning.

“Let me emphasise that everyone contesting in the elections is a candidate approved by INEC, but ultimately, it is the voters who will decide the winners,” the REC concluded.

Candidates for the Anambra South Senatorial by-election are Mr. Donald Amangbo of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Mr. Azuka Okwuosa of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Also taking part in the election are Mr. Peter Ekwueme of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Mr. Azubuike Okoli of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), and Chief Emma Nwachukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), among others.

Source: RipplesNigeria | Continue to Full Story…