Anambra State, Nigeria – Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state has caused controversy by warning residents to vote for his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), in the upcoming state assembly elections on March 18th or risk losing access to government services.
The governor made the statement during a political rally held on Wednesday, March 9, 2023, where he urged supporters to vote for APGA and accused opposition parties of planning to undermine the development of the state.
“I want to warn those who are planning to vote for the opposition parties that they will be doing so at their own risk. Our party, APGA, has worked tirelessly to bring development to the state, and we cannot allow opposition parties to come and undo all that we have achieved,” he said.
The Governor’s statement has been met with widespread condemnation, with many accusing him of using dictatorial tactics to intimidate voters and undermine democracy. Opposition parties have also accused the Governor of attempting to rig the elections and have called for his resignation.
In response to the backlash, Governor Soludo has defended his statement, stating that he was only urging residents to vote for the party that has done the most for the state.
“I did not threaten anyone. I only urged residents to vote for the party that has brought development to the state. It is the duty of every government to ensure that its policies and programs are sustained, and that is what I am doing,” he said.
The Governor’s statement has raised concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria and the need for free and fair elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured residents of the state of its commitment to ensuring a free and fair election and urged them to come out en masse to exercise their right to vote.
The state assembly elections in Anambra state are crucial as they will determine the composition of the state’s legislative arm. The elections are expected to be closely contested, with the opposition parties seeking to unseat APGA, which has been in power in the state for over a decade.
