Anambra Youths Demand Cancellation of Town Union Election over Allege Manipulation

By Praise Chinecherem

Youths of Ojoto community in Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State has appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to annul the community’s recently conducted Town Union election over alleged manipulation and constitutional breaches.

The youth numbering about 500 in a protest at Saint Paul’s junction and along Idemili South LGA headquarters junction respectively, alleged that some contestants were unduly disqualified to create room for “selection” of Deputy President General and Secretary.

Leader of the protesters and President, Ojoto Akanasato Union (OAU) Youth Wing, Mr Samuel. Mbanaefo, said although they accepted results for other positions they would not accept that of Deputy President General and Secretary because it was flawed.

“We came out for the election prepared. Unfortunately, after voting for candidates of other positions, we were told that offices of Deputy President General and Secretary General were unopposed because the candidates for the two positions have been disqualified.

“We asked why they were disqualified but reasons were not disclosed to us. We won’t accept that. We say no to imposition! We are demanding for fresh election so that we can choose the best ourselves. Let no one decide for us,” he stated.

Contributing, Mr Nonso Anazodo, Maduaburochukwu Nnoruka,
and Mr Chibuike Efegi, said they do not subscribe to violence in achieving their results but want justice to prevail because every native of Ojoto was qualified to vie for positions in the town union.

“Our constitution gave all of us right to contest election except provost one and 2 shared by the bloc. There was no contest, so they did not actually fail the election. It is inconclusive,” they said.