The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the re-run election for Anambra Central Senatorial District will hold on March 5.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Lawrence Azubuike, made the announcement at a meeting with the chairmen and secretaries of political parties in the state in Awka on Friday.

Azubuike said that following the directive from INEC national headquarters, only candidates and political parties who took part in the March 28, 2015 National Assembly elections would participate in the re-run poll.

He said Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate remained barred from the contest in line with the decision of the Court of Appeal.

Azubuike said the election would hold in line with the decision of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, on Dec. 7, 2015.

Sharon Olive Ikeazor of APC: she did not take part in last April’s election


He said: “We have decided that the re-run election for Anambra Central senatorial District will be conducted on March 5.
“Commission also decided that pursuant to the said judgement, only the political parties and candidates who participated in the March 28, 2015 Senatorial Election in Anambra Central Senatorial District.’’

This also effectively shuts out the APC, as its candidate, Senator Chris Ngige is now the minister of Labour and productivity. It is not clear whether the party will want him to run again or stick to its decision to present Sharon Ikeazor.

He urged all eligible voters who had permanent voter cards to come out and cast their ballots for their preferred candidates.

He said card readers would be used for accreditation and promised that the polls would be free and fair in line best practice.

Azubuike advised the political parties to adhere strictly to the rules.

In his remark, Mr Emeka Ibeh, Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), in Anambra, pledged the co-operation of the parties toward the smooth conduct of the poll.

He advised the REC to be wary of wealthy people, who allegedly caused confusion in the political environment of the state.

Ibeh said the activities of such individuals had led the former RECs to take decisions that were not right and resulted in their inglorious exit from the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Azubuike, who was recently redeployed to Anambra, resumed on Feb. 2.

MISSNORA:
Victor Umeh is the winner then!

MISSNORA:
Victor Umeh is the winner then!

MISSNORA:
Victor Umeh is the winner then!

bandol:
The game may change at the 11th hour. Ngige may join the race or Mrs. Uche Ekwunife would be absorbed back to PDP