The All Progressives Congress (APC), in Imo State, has lauded the participation of opposition parties in the forthcoming local government council elections in the state.
The party said the participation of opposition parties attests to the confidence which the state governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has inspired by building strong democratic institutions in the state.
According to the spokesman of the party in the state, Cajetan Duke, the governor has not only performed superlatively but also fortified the state electoral commission.
Duke said owing to the governor's tolerance of the opposition which is shown by the non-arrest or prosecution of opposition figures, the parties were gingered to take party in the election scheduled for September 21 this year.
He said: "There is absolute confidence in the system unlike before. This is due to the high tolerance level of the governor.
"No opposition figure has been harassed, none has been prosecuted in spite of holding contrary views.
"Also, the way the state electoral commission has been reconfigured has instilled confidence in the opposition parties that it will organize free, fair and credible polls".
Duke attributed the excellent performance of the governor during the 2023 governorship election to the popularity of the APC and the governor 's developmental programme.
According to him, the governor running away with victory even in opposition strongholds during the governorship poll shows how strong and healthy the APC is in the state.
He expressed delight at the rush for expression of interest/nomination forms of the party for the council polls.
Our correspondent reports that the chairmanship form costs N3million while that of the councillorship cost N1million for male aspirants and N700,000 for female aspirants.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party LP in Imo, says it will not participate in the forthcoming council elections.
The party said it has no confidence in the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) to conduct a free, fair and credible poll.
The State Chairman of the party, Callistus Ihejiiagwa made the position of the party known on Tuesday at a stakeholders meeting held in Owerri.
Ihejiagwa added that the party has no confidence in ISIEC to deliver an acceptable election because it is on the direct payroll of Imo State Government led by Governor Hope Uzodimma.
The chairman also said that Governor Uzodimma's democratic credentials also do not give Labour Party any hope that the election will be conducted in a level playing ground..
