By Felix Igboanugo
Anambra West indigenes and stakeholders over the weekend, converged in Asaba, Delta State, to express overwhelming support for Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s second term bid and to strategize on increasing the area’s electoral strength ahead of the November 8 Governorship election in Anambra State.
The town hall meeting, which brought together community leaders, youth groups, and political stakeholders from various Anambra West communities residing in Delta, focused on mobilising voters and addressing longstanding logistical challenges that have hindered full participation of the area in past elections.
Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon. TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, urged the people to take ownership of their electoral processes by supporting government initiatives and contributing resources to boost voter mobilisation.
“Communities that wish to strengthen their voting power must also contribute to providing logistics rather than depending solely on government,” Nwabunwanne said.
The Commissioner, who demonstrated a deep understanding of Anambra West’s developmental needs, assured participants of government unwavering commitment to fulfilling key community projects. He said that plans are underway to engage a reputable construction company for the rehabilitation of intra-community roads in Anambra West, while also emphasising that the area possesses capable human resources to support these efforts.
On political speculations surrounding his future ambitions, Nwabunwanne clarified that he remains focused on his current responsibilities as Commissioner, with no distractions. He, however, raised concern over the declining school enrolment in Anambra West and called for urgent community and government collaboration to reverse the trend.
Recounting Governor Soludo’s numerous achievements across Anambra State, including several developmental projects in Anambra West, he charged the people to ensure that the local government contributes significantly to the Governor’s electoral success. He also said that steps were being taken to resolve challenges associated with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to ensure a seamless voting experience.
The Commissioner also appealed to Ndi Anambra West to take greater part in developmental activities, urging them to directly engage their leaders rather than complaining from the sidelines. He lamented that many residents have failed to take advantage of government empowerment programmes such as the “1Youth, 2 Skills” initiative due to apathy.
Speaking during the interactive session, Mr. Sunday Onuorah highlighted that Umueze Anam currently operates two wards and is working toward securing a third, owing to its growing voter population. He noted that the community has enacted a local law compelling indigenes to return home during elections, reflecting its seriousness about political participation.
Former Transition Committee Chairman, Chief Dom Okonkwo, underscored the need for stronger voter registration, citing the political influence of northern communities who maintain high registration and voting consistency — a strategy he urged Anambra West to emulate.
Similarly, Chief Augustine Ezeolisa called for continued support for Governor Soludo, commending his administration’s visible impact across Anambra West.
A Businessman Chief John Onyeaka, emphasised the need for adequate voter registration logistics, while international businessman Chief Edochie Onuorah drew global parallels on how voting influences community development, urging everyone to ensure their votes count.
Also speaking, Hon. Alex Okeke, a surveyor, advised residents in Delta to maintain voter registration in their home constituencies in Anambra West, describing it as a demonstration of patriotism and community loyalty.
The event concluded with a collective resolution reaffirming total support for Governor Soludo’s second-term bid, and a commitment to expanding Anambra West’s voter base to ensure a resounding victory for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Felix is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
