Leader of the Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives, Hon. Afam Ogene, has called on the people of Anambra State to vote freely and according to their conscience in the November 8, 2025 governorship election.
Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency, emphasized that no citizen should face intimidation or discrimination for choosing a candidate or political party different from the one in power.
Democracy, he said, thrives on freedom of choice, and any attempt to suppress that right undermines the entire process.
He made the remarks in a statement issued on Thursday in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
“It is a dangerous misconception to believe that those who do not support a particular administration will be deprived of development,” Ogene said. “When government constructs roads, provides water, or builds schools, it is impossible to reserve such facilities only for supporters of the ruling party.”
The lawmaker lamented the neglect of the Ogbaru Federal Constituency, noting that despite contributing significantly to the state’s oil revenue, the area has yet to benefit from the so-called dividends of democracy.
He added that residents are now being pressured to believe that unless they vote a certain way, they will continue to be denied government attention.
“I urge every resident of Ogbaru—and indeed Anambra State—to go out on Saturday, November 8, 2025, and fulfil their constitutional duty. Vote for the candidate of your choice, freely and without fear, intimidation, coercion, or inducement,” he stated.
Ogene highlighted the deplorable condition of the only access road into Ogbaru, stressing that the lack of infrastructure has crippled economic activities. Farmers and business owners, he said, struggle daily to transport goods to the market, worsening social and economic hardship in the region.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission has reaffirmed its readiness for the governorship poll, which will hold across 5,718 wards in the state.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Awka, disclosed that about 24,000 ad hoc staff will be deployed, while 540 journalists have been accredited to cover the election.
He assured that the commission remains committed to delivering a credible, transparent, and inclusive poll.
Sixteen candidates representing 16 political parties will contest the election, including the incumbent, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, who is seeking a second term.
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