Commission Warns Parties Against Candidates Imposition

The Chairman of  Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission, Mr John Nkwuda , on Wednesday advised political parties in the state against imposition of candidates for electoral office.

Nkwuda who gave the advice at Ezilo in Ishielu Local Government Area during a one-day voter education and sensitisation campaign organised by the commission,said the imposition of candidates by political parties could, among other things, lead to political apathy.

Nkwuda stressed the need for parties to ensure that candidates emerged through open and transparent party primaries.

He said the commission would not accept party candidates who did not emerge either by consensus or through a credible party primary supervised by it.

“Our position is that political parties will provide level playing grounds for all seeking party nominations for the election to compete.The era of imposition and god-fatherism in our politics is over; credible candidates must emerge through credible party primaries or by consensus,’’ Nkwuda said.

He said the commission would do everything to eliminate political apathy from the electorate, explaining that such apathy was largely responsible for the emergence of corrupt and bad leaders.

The chairman said the aim of the campaign was to enlighten the electorate at the grassroots on the need to participate effectively in the political process, noting  that free and fair council polls were critical in the nation’s quest to deepen its democratic process.

The Chairman of Ishielu local government, Mr Obinna Nwachukwu, commended the commission for the exercise and said the council would partner with it to ensure success in the forthcoming council elections.

The electoral body had embarked on voter enlightenment campaign in the 13 local government areas of the state in preparation for the council polls scheduled for September.