Any lingering
doubts about the authenticity of the candidates of the People’s
Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State for this year’s general
elections have been laid to rest by the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC), following its resolve to abide by what it called the
latest court order of January 27 this year served on it by the party.
In a letter to the
national chairman of PDP, dated February 10, 2011 and received by the
party’s secretary, Abdulahi Kaugama, INEC noted that whereas the
commission had been served with several court orders, it had decided to
abide by the January 27 court order which compelled it to recognise the
candidature of some aspirants.
Making reference to
suit number A/19/2011, motion number A/42M/2011 brought by Ken Emeakayi
against the PDP, Bello Mohammed, and 13 others, INEC stated inter alia
that: “Wherein the court from among others restrained 6th -15th
respondents from parading themselves as candidates for the 2011 general
election in Anambra State, the court also restrained PDP, including
Senator Waku (his agents) from accepting, presenting or dealing with
6th -15th respondents as candidates for the 2011 general election in
Anambra State.”
It added that the
same court order equally restrained the commission from receiving any
other names except names of candidates published by the PDP state
executive committee of Anambra State.
“This is to inform
you (PDP) that the commission has decided to obey the latest order made
after listening to the parties to the suit. The list submitted by the
Anambra State executive of the PDP is accordingly accepted,” INEC
concluded in the letter.
Top among the list
of recognised candidates by the commission are such senatorial
candidates as Chudi Ofodile, Anambra Central; John Emeka, Anambra
North; and Andy Uba, Anambra South; while others comprised candidates
for the federal house and state assembly.
Long controversy
INEC’s latest
confirmation thus ends the long drawn out controversy over the
authentic list of PDP candidates by various interest groups in the
state which had, at various times, submitted different lists of
candidates for the election.
One of the heaviest
casualties is a serving senator, Annie Okonkwo, from Anambra Central,
who appears to have now been defeated by Mr. Ofodile, formerly of the
House of Representatives. Mr. Okonkwo is believed to be heading to
Accord Party to stand for election. He will contest in place of a
candidate alleged to be holding the forte for him.
Last week, a
newspaper advertorial by a pro-Okonkwo group had urged him to seek an
alternative platform to continue the pursuit of his senatorial ambition.
While Mr. Okonkwo could not be reached for comments, Mr. Ofodile said he has refused to be drawn into any fresh controversy.
“I am presently busy meeting with my constituency as part of my senatorial election campaign,” he said.
