… Coercion of Electorate
…urges Ogbaru constituents to vote their conscience
By Nwabueze Okonkwo
ONITSHA — Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, leader of the Anambra State caucus in the House of Representatives, has raised concerns over what he described as attempts to pressure voters in his Ogbaru Federal Constituency into supporting Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency and leads the Labour Party caucus in the Green Chamber, described such actions—if true—as contrary to democratic norms. He urged constituents to vote according to their conscience, stressing that no citizen should face consequences for choosing a candidate other than the incumbent or the ruling party.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Ogene said democracy is anchored on the principle of free choice, and any attempt to undermine that right weakens the electoral process.
“It is a misconception that those who do not support a particular government will be denied developmental benefits. When infrastructure such as roads, boreholes, or schools is provided, it is illogical to assume that only supporters of a given administration will use them,” he stated.
He added that Ogbaru has not benefitted from many of the claimed dividends of democracy, yet voters are being made to believe they must align with a particular political direction to receive government attention.
“I therefore urge every resident of Ogbaru, indeed all of Anambra State, to go out on Saturday, November 8, 2025, to fulfill their constitutional obligation by voting for any candidate of their choice, without fear of intimidation, coercion, or inducement,” Ogene said.
The lawmaker lamented what he described as long-standing neglect of the Ogbaru Federal Constituency, noting that the only road linking Anambra and Rivers states remains in poor condition despite the area contributing significant oil revenue to both state and federal governments.
He said the infrastructural challenges have created economic and social hardships for farmers and traders who struggle to transport their goods to markets.
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