Anambra central: 13 political parties ready for Senatorial election

… CNPP backs INEC

Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has said that about 13 political parties have expressed readiness to participate in Anambra Central Senatorial election scheduled for 13 January, 2018.

The forum of all political parties, however urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to defy all odds and see to the successful conduct of Court ordered fresh election in the Senatorial district.

The Senatorial election held for Anambra central district on March 28th, 2015 was nullified by the Court of Appeal Enugu, on 7 December 2015, which has however, continued to witness legal battles among the contestants.

In a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, CNPP Secretary General Chief Willy Ezugwu, said the recent judgment of the Federal High Court Abuja, obtained by Dr. Obiora Okonkwo is an attempt by the High Court to flex muscles with the Court of Appeal.

Ezugwu said the judgment was an unconstitutional anomaly capable of truncating democracy if not nipped in the bud.

“The Federal High Court is inferior to the Court of Appeal under the constitution. The Federal High Court is incapable of returning Dr. Okonkwo as Senator for Anambra Central Senatorial district when the election in question is no longer alive, having been nullified by the Court of Appeal since 7 December, 2015”.

While agitating against the rational by which Okonkwo is ordered to be sworn in as Senator, the CNPP queried:

“Which election has Dr. Okonkwo won or deemed to have won for which he will be issued with certificate of return or sworn in as a Senator for Anambra central senatorial district”.

Tom Okpe, Abuja