By Christian ABURIME
In a remarkable display of democratic progress, Anambra State has just concluded what can only be described as the most peaceful, free and transparent local government election in its history. The election, which took place on Saturday, September 28, 2024, across all 21 Local Government Areas of the state, has set a new benchmark for electoral conduct in Nigeria.
The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, who has been at the helm of affairs for 2 years and six months now, deserves commendation for orchestrating this feat, successfully breaking an 11-year jinx. He made the promise, and has now walked the talk. His commitment to transparent governance and democratic principles has been evident throughout the electoral process, from preparation to execution.
As a matter of fact, the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) played a crucial role in the success of this election. Unlike previous elections marred by logistical challenges, this time, voting commenced promptly across the state. The smooth process, peaceful conduct of voters, and swift collation of results are proofs of ANSIEC’s meticulous planning and execution.
Leading by example, Governor Soludo cast his vote at his Ofuiyi Square polling unit 002, Umueze-Isuofia, in Aguata Local Government Area. His presence and participation underscored the importance of this grassroots election. In his words, “Today is a promise made and promise kept.” This statement again reflects the governor’s loyalty to strengthening local governance, a crucial aspect of democracy often overlooked or downplayed by state governors in Nigerian politics.
The governor’s assessment of the election as “seamless” and “an example of what an election should be” is not playing to the gallery. Reports from across the state corroborate this view, with widespread accounts of orderly proceedings and transparent vote counting. The emphasis on “one man, one vote” and the insistence on open, transparent vote counting are significant steps towards building trust in the electoral process.
It is worth noting that this election comes after an 11-year hiatus in local government elections in Anambra State. This long gap had created a democratic deficit at the grassroots level, which Governor Soludo’s administration has now addressed. By reviving local elections, the state government has rekindled citizen participation in grassroots governance.
The resources and effort invested in this election, including extensive campaigns across all 326 wards, demonstrate the government’s seriousness about local governance. As Governor Soludo further pointed out, this election serves as a litmus test for his administration’s performance and a precursor to the upcoming gubernatorial election in 2025.
While the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the governor’s party, is anticipating victory, the true winner of this election is democracy itself. The peaceful conduct of voters, the transparent process, and the prompt collation of results are victories for all Anambra citizens, regardless of party affiliations.
In a way, this election undeniably shows that with political will and proper planning, credible elections are possible at all levels of government. As we celebrate this landmark electoral feat, it is crucial to maintain the momentum. The challenge now is to ensure that the elected local government officials will serve their constituents diligently and that this level of electoral integrity becomes the norm rather than the exception.
