Anambra gubernatorial polls have been adjudged as the most expensive. Dr Leonard Nzenwa
Address by Chairman, inter-party advisory council (IPAC) Dr Leonard Nzenwa during a special consultative meeting with political parties leaders, that was held at the conference room of the Independent national electoral commission INEC head quarters. The chairman said they were glad that so far there has been no recorded case of untoward case of inter-party head-but, even the issues that had affected some parties internally had been duly managed. He reiterated the fact that the Anambra state gubernatorial candidate of the Labor party Chief Obiora Agbasimelo who had been kidnapped months back has still not been released despite huge amounts of ransom that had been paid, It has also been gathered that several thousands of staff who had been recruited for the polls are declining to go to the state on account of the high insecurity in the state.
The chairman noted that the Anambra gubernatorial polls have been adjudged as the most expensive by credible pollsters with returnee of billionaires in hard currency struggling it out. Stating that this was equally validated by the commission who attested thatit had cost it huge financial and material investment. The chairman also stated that the journey to this election had not been rid of uncertainties despite the commissions adequate preparation towards the election. The unfolding of events had led to suggestions that the Anambra polls be postponed to allow some level of sanity return before the polls are conducted. But some dissented.
Due to the sit at home order in Anambra state, fear has become the norm amongst residents of the state. Hence the commission should look into ways in ensuring secure polls. The chairman stressed that these issues will greatly cause political apathy amongst voters, it is feared that despite money spent, people will not want to vote regardless, the people will be torn between carrying out their duty to sanitize the Anambra polity and avoiding those who are out to cause havoc in the course of the election which ultimately may lead to collateral damage in the course of the elections. The chairman said IPAC hopes and prays for successful polls in the state.