Anambra Commission Confirms August 29 Elections Amid Lawsuit

The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), chaired by Genevieve Osakwe, has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting local government elections on August 29, 2024, despite a legal challenge from 56 serving councillors. The councillors filed a suit at the Anambra State High Court in Awka, contesting the constitutionality of the state government's decision to limit the tenure of elected local government officials to two years, as stipulated in Section 110(A) of the Anambra State Electoral (Amendment No. 3) Law, 2024.

They argue this provision conflicts with Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees a democratically elected local government system. The councillors seek a court declaration that the two-year tenure is unconstitutional and want the court to recognize a four-year tenure for local government officials.

Osakwe stated that the pending lawsuit does not impede the commission's preparations for the election, emphasizing that the electoral process will continue as scheduled.