The governorship candidates of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party (LP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) were conspicuously absent from a prayer session organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for political parties contesting in the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election.
The event, held in Awka ahead of Saturday’s election, was convened by the labour unions to promote peace, unity, and issue-based campaigns among candidates and their supporters. However, the absence of several top contenders drew attention from participants and observers.
Only the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, was represented at the gathering by his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, who conveyed his goodwill message and reaffirmed his commitment to peaceful and credible elections.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the APGA, Sir Paul Chukwuma of the YPP, Dr George Moghalu of the Labour Party, and John Chuma Nwosu of the ADC all failed to honour the invitation extended by the labour unions.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the NLC, Anambra State Council, said the prayer session was organised to seek divine intervention for a hitch-free election and to remind politicians of their responsibility to serve the people with sincerity and humility.
He expressed disappointment over the absence of several key candidates, noting that the gathering was not a political rally but a neutral platform for reflection and commitment to peace.
“We expected all candidates to be here.
This event was meant to show unity of purpose and a shared vision for a peaceful Anambra. Nonetheless, we prayed for every candidate and for God to guide the electorate in making the right choice,” the NLC chairman stated.
Representatives of religious and civil society groups also attended the session, offering prayers for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and voters ahead of the election.
The labour leaders urged all political parties to abide by the rules of engagement, avoid violence, and accept the outcome of the election in good faith, stressing that only a peaceful process can guarantee progress and stability in Anambra State.
