By Chizoba Njaka
A political stalwart, Chief Gozie Odenigbo, has called on the people of Anambra State, particularly youths and economically disadvantaged women in rural communities, to reject vote-buying and resist attempts by politicians to influence their electoral decisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Odenigbo made the appeal during an interview with journalists in Awka on October 29, warning that selling votes in exchange for money or other material benefits could jeopardise the future of the electorate and undermine good governance.
He described vote-buying as a harmful electoral practice capable of compromising the people’s interests, stressing that decisions made during elections have far-reaching implications for community development, public welfare and the quality of leadership.
The political stalwart urged voters to appreciate the importance of their electoral rights and avoid allowing financial inducements to determine their choice of political candidates, noting that elections should be based on the ability of candidates to deliver meaningful development.
Odenigbo attributed Anambra State’s current experience of good governance to the electorate’s decision to make the right political choice, urging citizens to sustain the trend by supporting credible, competent and responsible leaders in subsequent elections.
He particularly appealed to youths and rural women, whom he identified as vulnerable to electoral manipulation, to remain steadfast and carefully assess candidates based on their competence, character, integrity and commitment to public service.
According to him, the 2027 general elections would provide another opportunity for Ndi Anambra to demonstrate their commitment to responsible leadership by electing candidates capable of promoting development and improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Odenigbo further called on the electorate to protect their votes and prioritise good governance, expressing optimism that informed electoral decisions would contribute to building a better Nigeria under an All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government.
Chizoba Njaka is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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