By Tony Ezike
Concerned stakeholders from the Awka community have issued a collective call for transparency, fairness, and equal representation as preparations intensify for the forthcoming election into the vacant executive positions of the Awka Development Union Nigeria (ADUN).
Rising from a meeting convened to review the ongoing electoral arrangements, the stakeholders welcomed the decision to conduct a fresh election, describing it as a “noble idea” that will usher in a patriotic and service-driven leadership for ADUN at a critical moment in the community’s history.
However, the group urged the Board of Trustees (BoT) of ADUN, led by Engr. Pat Nzekwe Ibe and Barr. Ifeanyichukwu Obiakor, to guarantee a process that will earn the trust of Ndi Awka and pass all tests of credibility and transparency.
A major concern raised was what they described as the “illogical and unfair” allocation of only one delegate to each village branch of ADUN, while diaspora branches were allotted three delegates each.
The stakeholders insisted that this arrangement contradicts the template used during the last ADUN election and risks disenfranchising the 33 village branches.
They called for an immediate review to ensure equal representation for all branches, home and abroad, warning that they will “not hesitate to oppose or reject any election that confers undue advantage on diaspora branches.”
The group further advised the election organisers to formally brief the Awka General Assembly (Izu Awka) on their preparations, methodologies, and other critical issues of concern to village branches ahead of the scheduled December election.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the inability of the trustees to provide aspirants with a comprehensive list of diaspora branches on record, the stakeholders described the omission as detrimental to effective campaigning and contrary to the principles of an open contest.
They reiterated their demand for neutrality, transparency, and fairness from those saddled with organising the election, while praying for a peaceful and successful exercise that will produce a credible ADUN executive.
The statement was signed by the convener, Ozo (Dr.) Anayo Nweke.
