LGA poll: APGA, PDP, LP candidates abscond from Nnewi North Chairmanship debate

Ahead of the Local Government election in Anambra State, slated for 28 of September, voters in Nnewi North could be having a second thought on the choice of candidate to vote for after the candidates of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) deliberately absconded from the Chairmanship debate organized by Explore Nnewi Urban.

The debate which was hosted by Diaspora Digital Media on Sunday, 22 of September 2024, was designed to offer all candidates running for the position of Chairman of Nnewi North LGA the opportunity to engage directly with the electorate and present their vision for the future of their community.

Though, it was only the Young Progressive Party candidate, Amb. Paul Muoneke (YPP) who showed up for the debate and made a good case for himself.

The other three candidates who stayed away from the debates are Hon. Echezona Anazodo (APGA), Hon. Uba Chidiebere Nonso (Labour Party) and Orizu Enyinna Timothy (PDP).

In a statement by the founder of Explore Nnewi Urban, Chukwumaife C.F. Okeke-Enyobi, he said despite efforts to ensure inclusivity and fairness, including postponing the debate twice, and handing over management of the event to accommodate the concerns of all political parties, the candidates from APC, APGA, LP, and PDP refused to show up.

This according to him, raises questions, as every provision was made to ensure their participation and fairness in the process.

The statement reads, “Yesterday, we held the highly anticipated NNEWI DECIDES 2024 town hall debate, themed “LGA Autonomy: The Imperative for A Greater Nnewi.” The debate was designed to offer all candidates running for the position of Chairman of Nnewi North LGA the opportunity to engage directly with the electorate and present their vision for the future of our community.

“Despite our efforts to ensure inclusivity and fairness, including postponing the debate twice, and handing over management of the event to accommodate the concerns of all political parties, the candidates from APC, APGA, LP, and PDP did not attend. Their absence raises questions, as we made every provision to ensure their participation and fairness in the process.

“On the other hand, the YPP candidate who arrived later at 5:00PM stood before the people of Nnewi, made a compelling presentation, and answered every question posed by both the panel and the audience. This is the kind of accountability and leadership we believe Nnewi deserves—leaders who are willing to face the people, engage transparently, and explain their plans for governance.

“We must also address the absence of the other candidates. This was not due to miscommunication. We shifted the debate dates and made every accommodation, but when it came time to engage with the people they are hoping to serve, they chose not to show up. This speaks volumes. If they cannot stand before the people now, during a crucial moment of civic engagement, how do we expect them to lead transparently if elected?

“The debate today was never about party politics; it was about providing Ndi Nnewi the chance to make informed decisions about the future of our local governance. By refusing to participate, these candidates missed a critical opportunity to communicate directly with the community. Their absence hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“Ndi Nnewi, we are at a critical point. We deserve leaders who are accountable, visible, and committed to facing the people they hope to serve. Elections are not just about promises; they are about trust, transparency, and engagement. We urge you all to reflect deeply on the choices before us as we move toward Election Day.

“Thank you to everyone who showed up today and engaged in this important civic duty. We look forward to continued dialogue as we strive for a brighter future for Nnewi.

“We thank Diaspora Digital Media – DDM NEWSBAND for their timely efforts at managing the event.”

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