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From Emmanuel Uzor, Awka
Less than 48 hours to the Anambra State governorship election, the leader of the Labour Party National Assembly (House of Representatives) Caucus, Afam Ogene, has raised alarm over what he termed coercion and intimidation of voters by the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and its candidate, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency, described this posture as undemocratic and urged constituents to vote according to their conscience, emphasising that there should be no repercussions for not supporting a particular party.
The lawmaker stated that democracy is built on the principle of free choice, and so denying citizens this basic right undermines the democratic process. He made this remark in a statement issued in Awka, Anambra State capital, on Thursday, 6 November 2025.
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“In the case of Ogbaru, 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, 8 November 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.
