The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been urged to adhere strictly to electoral laws and ensure a free, fair, and credible governorship election on November 8.
This call was made by the Young Progressives Party (YPP) governorship candidate, Sir Paul Chukwuma.
“Let me begin by emphasising that the YPP is fully committed to a peaceful, free, and fair election process in Anambra State on November 8, as a progressive political party,” Chukwuma stated.
In a statement released by the Director of Media, Sir Paul Chukwuma Campaign Council, Dr Ebuka Onyekwelu, the party said that Anambra State deserves better than what it is currently experiencing.
According to the YPP, “So far, we have conducted our political campaigns with utmost civility and have maintained a clear focus on governance issues.
“We did not join this race to be distracted by trivial or sensational topics that do not affect the daily lives of our people in Anambra State.
“The issues are simple. First, the governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo, has not done enough to justify the enormous revenues he has managed on behalf of the people and government of Anambra State in the past three years.
“Secondly, insecurity has been allowed to thrive under his administration. It is only now, in an election year, that the governor is beginning to show interest in addressing it. Recall that Operation Udo Ga Chi was launched only this year, after years of loss of lives and property under his watch.
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“We are also concerned that the revenue collected so far does not correspond with the visible work on the ground in Anambra State.
“The message from Paul Chukwuma and his running mate, Uzu Okagbue, is clear: Anambra Deserves Better. Our people are embracing this message because they know they deserve far more than they are currently getting.
“We have been mobilising extensively, and many of our supporters are already at collection centres in their wards, picking up their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). We urge them to remain steadfast. We are confident that Ndi Anambra will deliver a verdict of no confidence on the current government through their votes in exactly two weeks.”
The YPP further demanded that INEC uphold its integrity and ensure strict compliance with its regulations.
“Beyond our commitment to ensuring a peaceful and credible election, we insist that INEC must not turn a blind eye or allow the current administration in Anambra State to act as if it is above the law.
“INEC must also take a firm stand on the growing problem of vote-buying, which the Anambra State Government took to a new level during the last by-election. Is vote-buying now an accepted part of our election process?
“In all, we boldly demand that INEC demonstrate an impeccable commitment to its own rules. Doing so will naturally encourage stakeholders’ compliance and help deliver free and credible polls on November 8,” the statement concluded.