The All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State has withdrawn from the local government election which is to be conducted in the state on November 11, 2017.
The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Edet Bassey, said in Uyo on Thursday that Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission has evinced a disastrous tendency not to allow the forthcoming LG elections to be free, fair, and transparent, hence the decision of the party to withdraw.
Bassey stated that after due and extensive consultation with leaders and stakeholders of party, APC has chosen to challenge the legality, actions, and inactions of AKISIEC through its capacity to conduct a fair, credible and acceptable LG election.
According to him, APC 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
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