By Our Reporter

The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) has reaffirmed August 29, 2026, as the date for the state’s local government elections despite a legal challenge by 56 serving councillors over the two-year tenure prescribed for elected local government officials.

The councillors, in Suit No. A/261/2026 filed before the Anambra State High Court in Awka, are challenging the legality of the two-year tenure provision and seeking judicial orders that would prevent the conduct of elections intended to replace them.

The suit names the Attorney-General of Anambra State, the Anambra State House of Assembly and ANSIEC as the first, second and third defendants respectively.

At the centre of the dispute is Section 110(A) of the Anambra State Electoral (Amendment No. 3) Law, 2024, which provides for a two-year tenure for elected local government chairmen, deputy chairmen and councillors.

The plaintiffs argue that the provision is inconsistent with Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees a system of democratically elected local governments. They are asking the court to declare the two-year tenure provision unconstitutional and to recognise a four-year tenure for elected local government officials.

They are also seeking an injunction restraining ANSIEC from conducting elections to replace the serving councillors.

However, the filing of the suit does not, in itself, suspend the electoral process. Unless the court issues an order directing otherwise, ANSIEC remains entitled to proceed with preparations under the existing electoral timetable.

ANSIEC has continued preparations for the August 29 poll, which is scheduled to cover the state’s 21 local government areas.

The commission had earlier released an election timetable and guidelines for political parties. Party primaries were scheduled to take place between December 18, 2025, and February 16, 2026, as part of the process leading to the local government elections.

The commission has also urged political parties and prospective candidates to comply with the timetable and prepare for the poll.

The legal dispute follows the amendment of Anambra’s electoral law in September 2024, when the State House of Assembly fixed the tenure of elected local government officials at two years.

The councillors’ challenge effectively places the validity of that provision before the court. Their assertion that the Constitution guarantees them a four-year tenure remains a legal argument awaiting judicial determination.

For now, August 29 remains the election date announced by ANSIEC. The next significant development will be whether the High Court issues any order affecting the commission’s preparations or ultimately rules on the constitutionality of the two-year tenure provision.

The dispute could therefore have implications beyond the immediate election, particularly for the legal framework governing the tenure and administration of elected local governments in Anambra State.