Disappointed that the party did not participate in the state’s Saturday Local Government elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi attributed the development to a leadership problem inside the party.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the polls took place in the 171 wards throughout the state’s 13 councils.
The PDP’s chairman of the state’s caretaker committee, Mr. Steve Oruruo, told NAN in Abakaliki that the party was unhappy with the state of affairs.
Oruruo urged members to be more unified, saying that he and his leadership were working tirelessly to revive the party in Ebonyi.
“Actually, we are not happy for not fielding a candidate. Of course, you must build your house first before you will be able to nominate candidates for elections.
“It’s true, our party is facing a lot of challenges, ranging from leadership crises and all that. I encourage our members to be focused on oneness.
“Right now, we are building on a strong platform to ensure that our party is stronger and united for a better Ebonyi and Nigeria at large.
“It is not good having one party system only in Ebonyi, and that’s not good for democracy,” Oruruo added.
The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party, and PDP, among other significant opposition parties in the state, were reportedly unable to register candidates for the elections, according to NAN.
Political analyst Dr. James Igwe claimed that the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) did not offer other parties an even playing field for participation.
Igwe pleaded with EBSIEC to back democratic growth and make sure that the elections were legitimate and in the best interests of the populace.
Attempts to contact Mr. Jossy Eze, the Chairman of EBSIEC, were unsuccessful since his phone was turned off. (NAN)
