Anambra poll: Vote according to your conscience, Reps member tells residents

The leader of the Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives, Afam Ogene, has urged Anambra residents to vote according to their conscience in the November 8, 2025, governorship election.

Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency, stressed that there should be no repercussions for not supporting a particular party.

The lawmaker stated that democracy is built on the principles of free choice, and so denying citizens this basic right undermines the democratic process.

He made these remarks in a statement issued in Awka, Anambra State capital, on Thursday.

Ogene said, “It is a misconception that those who don’t support a particular government will be denied development benefits. When infrastructure such as roads, boreholes, or schools is built, it’s illogical to think that only supporters of the administration will use them.

“In the case of Ogbaru constituency, we have not been considered worthy of enjoying these acclaimed dividends of democracy, yet we are being blackmailed to think that, this time around, except we vote in a particular way, we would be further denied government patronage, an inalienable right of every citizen.

I, therefore, urge every resident of Ogbaru, nay Anambra State, to go out on Saturday, November 8, 2025, to fulfil a sacred obligation imposed on them by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: vote for a candidate of their choice, without any fear of intimidation, coercion and or inducement.

The Ogbaru Federal Constituency has long been neglected by the state government, with the sole connecting road in a deplorable state.

“Despite the area generating significant oil revenue, the lack of infrastructure has led to severe economic and social challenges, affecting farmers and businesses who struggle to transport goods to the market.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared full readiness for the governorship election slated for Saturday, November 8, 2025, in the 5,718 wards across the state.

The Chairman of the commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during a stakeholders meeting in Awka, said about 24,000 ad hoc staff will be deployed while about 540 journalists have been accredited to cover the election, adding that the commission is fully committed to the governorship poll in line with its commitment to credible and inclusive elections.

According to INEC, 16 candidates from 16 political parties are contesting the governorship election to wrest power from the incumbent, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who is also seeking reelection under the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance.