By Emeka Samuel, Uyo
With just days remaining before the October 5, 2024, local government elections in Akwa Ibom, stakeholders are demanding a level playing field for all political parties participating in the elections.
The Centre for Human Rights Accountability Network (CHRAN), a civil society organization, has secured commitments from the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC), security agencies, and the media for peaceful, credible, free, and fair elections in the state.
This appeal was made during a critical engagement titled “Towards a Free, Fair and Credible 2024 Local Government Election in Akwa Ibom State,” organized by CHRAN in collaboration with AKISIEC in Uyo.
Keynote speaker at the event, Mr. Saviour Enyiekere, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President, urged the election commission to ensure fairness to all political parties and candidates. A member of the All Progressives Congress, Enyiekere emphasized the need for a credible electoral outcome.
Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwak, a representative of the AKISIEC Chairman, assured participants of a fair playing field for all parties and encouraged candidates to intensify their campaigns within the stipulated timeframe. He stated, “All political parties will be given a fair playing field, but it’s incumbent upon the parties and candidates to campaign from now until October 3. By the 5th, we will hold the elections.”
CHRAN Director, Mr. Franklyn Isong, explained that the essence of the event was to encourage civil society organizations to actively participate in promoting good governance by bringing together relevant stakeholders, including the 12 political parties contesting in the elections.
Isong emphasized the importance of grassroots governance, particularly following the federal government’s granting of financial autonomy to local governments. He urged citizens to seek credible candidates and called for fairness from AKISIEC toward all parties.
“As a civil society organization, we are concerned about good governance processes. That is why we are gathering stakeholders, security agencies, and the 12 political parties at the table,” Isong stated. “Following the financial autonomy granted by President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney General, local government chairmen will receive more funds, prompting many commissioners to resign to vie for local government seats. We need to focus more on local governance to alleviate pressure on the state.”
Chairman of the occasion, Usenobong Akpabio, expressed skepticism about the electoral process. In an interview, he remarked that without electoral independence at the local level, financial autonomy would not be fully realized. “I see this election as business as usual. The state is equipping its party, the PDP, for the election, while other opposition parties are merely present. I believe that one day we will establish an independent electoral body at the state level. Once there is electoral autonomy, accountability will improve among local government chairmen,” he said.
Obonganwan Dora Ebong, the Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom at the Federal Character Commission, urged voters to prioritize candidates’ merits over party affiliation. She cautioned that those whose ambitions infringe on others’ rights are primarily motivated by personal gain.
Ebong noted that the peace of Akwa Ibom rests heavily on AKISIEC and implored them to act responsibly. “The peace of this state lies in the hands of AKISIEC. They must do the right thing. It’s unacceptable for voters to wait in their polling units only to find no ballot papers when results are announced,” she stated.
CHRAN announced that a peace accord will be signed at the AKISIEC office, attended by all 12 political parties and their candidates.
