The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State says it has withdrawn from the local government election billed to hold in the state on November 11, 2017 alleging irregularities.
The State Publicity Secretary of the party, Edet Bassey, speaking in Uyo on Thursday declared that the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) has displayed a tendency not to allow the forthcoming LG elections to be free, fair, and transparent
He said that after due and extensive consultation with leaders and stakeholders of party, APC has chosen to challenge the legality, actions, and inactions of AKISIEC over its capacity to conduct a fair, credible and acceptable LG election.
Basssey stated that the party has instructed its team of lawyers to institute legal action in a competent court of law against AKISIEC.
“The State Executive Committee, the Strategic Committee and the Legal Advisory Council of the party, APC, has taken a decision not to partake in the LG elections scheduled for November 11, 2017.
“The decision of the party is predicated on the absolute lack of trust and confidence in the capacity of the state electoral empire, Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct a free, fair and credible local government elections.
“Our resolve not to participate in the election is sequel to the antecedent of AKISIEC and the unpalatable experience of opposition political parties in two previous LG elections (2007 to 2012) superintendent over by AKISIEC under the very same chief electoral commissioner whom we reasonably believe lacks the integrity, fair-mindedness and probity to conduct LG election in the state,” he said.
