C’River Electoral Commission Sets October Deadline for Local Government Elections

The Chairman of the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission, Dr. Ekong Boco, announced that preparations for local government elections in the state will commence on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

During a meeting with the leadership of all political parties in his office, Boco stated that party primaries and the resolution of any disputes arising from those primaries will begin immediately and must conclude by October 25, 2024.

“All processes will conclude on October 25, 2024, which is also when all political campaigns should end across all local government areas of the state. Local government elections will be held on October 26, 2024,” Boco confirmed.

He assured that all registered political parties would be given a level playing field, stating, “Election is not war. We are going to conduct a rancor-free election, so we need a peaceful environment to achieve a credible and acceptable election in the state.”

All political parties expressed their readiness to actively participate in the polls, noting that it has been long overdue.

However, the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Venatius Ikem, stated that they would have considered boycotting the election due to the rushed amendment of the law to facilitate the elections, the sudden announcement of the timetable, and multiple adjustments perceived to favor the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress.

“We’d rather participate in protest because to boycott is a language of defeat,” said Venatius Ikem.

The Chairman of the Labour Party Caretaker Committee, John Ushie, and Anthony Bissong of the Young Progressives Party echoed that the local government elections were long overdue and announced their readiness to participate.