Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has charged the new INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan, on electoral integrity in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Anambra State, saying the ruling All Progressives Congress should not be allowed to manipulate processes.
In a statement on Sunday, Mr Abubakar described the election as an opportunity to discontinue the era of poor governance in the state.
“The Anambra State governorship election next weekend is one in the number of off-cycle elections according to the country’s election timetable,” the politician said.
“But, rather than being like any other, the election to elect the next governor of Anambra State on November 8 offers a unique opportunity to end the era of poor governance in the state, in addition to ensuring that the ruling All Progressive Congress does not get the chance of practicing its notoriety of snatching and running away with the mandate of the people.”
While rallying support for the African Democratic Congress candidates, Nwosu Chima John and Nwobu Geoffrey Ndubisi, Mr Abubakar said the election presents an opportunity for Mr Amupitan to ensure transparency.
He stressed that electoral integrity should not be compromised for the satisfaction of the ruling APC.
“The election is also an opportunity for the electoral umpire under the leadership of Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, to prove to the world that it has turned a new page and that the integrity of our election would not be sacrificed for the satisfaction of the ruling party,” the ADC chieftain said.
The politician stated that ADC would usher in an era of lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in the country.
“Anambra is a place with so many good history about our great country. I believe that yet again, Ndi Anambra will open the chapter of a new beginning in Nigeria, where the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would bring lasting prosperity, peace, and stability to our country,” the former vice president said.
President Bola Tinubu swore in Mr Amupitan as the new INEC chairman last month, charging him to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC.