Anambra Election: Stop intimidation, coercion of electorate, Hon. Ogene tells Soludo, APGA

~ Urges Ogbaru to vote their conscience

Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, leader of the Anambra State caucus in the House of Representatives, has expressed concerns about the ruling party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), allegedly coercing voters to support the incumbent in the upcoming governorship election. Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency, described this posture as undemocratic and urges constituents to vote according to their conscience, emphasizing 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, November 6, 2025.

Hon. Ogene, who is also leader of the Labour Party caucus in the Green Chambers, further stated: “It’s a misconception that those who don’t support a particular government will be denied development benefits. When infrastructure such as roads, boreholes, or schools are built, it’s illogical to think that only supporters of the administration will use them.

“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, November 8, 2025 to fulfill 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,” Hon. Ogene said.