NIGERIA (Anambra)- The Acting Chairman of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, Mr. Sylvester Okonkwo, has revealed that 25 political parties will participate in the January 11 Local Council Poll in the state.

Speaking with newsmen on Monday in Awka, Mr. Okonkwo said the number of the political parties was the highest in terms of council election in the country.

He listed the parties which included the Peoples Democratic Party, Action Alliance, All Progressives Congress, Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance and Accord Party, adding that he only received a text message from the APC stating its withdrawal from the poll but no official letter was sent to the body with regard to that.

According to him, the text message which was simply signed “SDS’’ was also sent to the state governor.

“I only got a text message from them saying that they will not participate because of the flawed voters’ register used in the governorship poll.

“They noted that since their candidate in the last governorship poll was in court challenging the same register, they will not take part in any election where the same register will be used.

“But we already have names of some of their party members for the poll,’’ he said.

While denying allegation that the commission had concluded arrangements to ensure that the ruling political party in the state, APGA, Okonkwo said all hands are on deck to ensure safety of lives and properties of the people during and after the election.

He urged voters to come out en masse to vote for the candidates of their choice on Jan. 11.