EDITORIAL: Anambra Week Of Decision: Shunning the Menace of Monetized Party Primaries

BY TONY OKAFOR

As Anambra State prepares for the November 8 governorship election, the stage is set for a pivotal moment in the state’s political history.

This weekend, major political parties will hold their governorship primaries, marking the beginning of a critical process that will shape the future of the state.

The political landscape is varied, with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) having a relatively straightforward task, with only one aspirant each.

In contrast, the Labour Party has two aspirants, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) faces a more daunting challenge with seven aspirants vying for the party’s ticket.

As the primaries approach, it is essential to emphasize the importance of credible and transparent processes, free from monetization.

The legitimacy and acceptability of the eventual winner hinge on the integrity of the primaries.

Therefore, we urge all parties to ensure that all aspects of the primary elections are open to scrutiny, including the voting process, vote counting, and declaration of results.

We also call on aspirants and their supporters to conduct themselves in a peaceful and respectful manner.

The electorate is watching, and any display of acrimony or desperation will only serve to undermine their credibility. Instead, we encourage aspirants to focus on highlighting their vision, policies, and track records.

To the delegates who will be voting in the primaries, we offer a solemn counsel: vote according to your conscience, devoid of monetary inducement.

Remember that your vote is not just a formal obligation, but a sacred trust.

Let your conscience be your guide, and choose the aspirant who best represents the values and aspirations of your party and the people of Anambra State.

As Anambra State navigates this critical election, we urge all stakeholders to prioritize peace, transparency, and fairness.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies must also walk the talk on their renewed threat to curb vote-buying and strengthen electoral integrity.

This commitment should start with the Anambra Governorship primaries, as vote-buying is a menace that affects not just main elections, but also the foundational processes that shape the democratic landscape.

Vote-buying remains a significant threat to free and fair elections in Nigeria, eroding public confidence in the electoral process.

It is high time that INEC and security agencies take concrete steps to nip this menace in the bud.

By doing so, they will be strengthening the foundations of Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring that the will of the people is truly reflected in the outcome of elections.

By ensuring credible primaries, we can lay the foundation for a free, fair, and peaceful elections that reflect the will of the people, with Anambra serving as a pivotal test case.The die is cast.