Anambra State elite resident in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, have rejected the November 16, 2013 date for the gubernatorial election in the state and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to move the polls by at least one week.

They made the call under the aegis of the Anambra State Public Officers and Elders Forum (ASPOF), the influential body of Anambra elite in Abuja.

“The rejection is based on the fact that the date coincides with the birthday of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first president which the organization in conjunction with the Association of Anambra Town Unions is planning to mark in a very big way this. Arrangements for the events which include invitation to very prominent personalities from outside Nigeria have reached advanced stages,” said ASPOF’s Uche Ezechukwu.

News Express learnt that the decision to kick against the governorship election date released yesterday by INEC was taken last night at an emergency meeting of ASPOF. The association immediately raised a high powered team to liaise with INEC over the issue.

ASPOF comprises serving and retired military officers, federal legislators, ministers, top business people from the state, senior professionals, serving and retired public servants as from the rank of deputy directors, politicians – in fact, the who is who from Anambra State resident in Abuja.

It is regarded as the most prominent and prestigious pressure group form Anambra State anywhere in the world. Governors routinely attend ASPOF’s meetings to explain what they are doing and to get seek advice. ASPOF currently has Chief Simeon Okeke (Ochendo), the former chairman Police Service Commission (PSC) as chairman, with former Minister of Communications AVM Canice Umenwaliri as deputy chairman.

•Photo shows INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega.