By David Okpala/Stella Okpala

An All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) chieftain, Chief Titus Anigbogu, has described vote buying and selling as unacceptable, urging electorates to protect the value of their votes by choosing candidates with credible records and clear political programmes.

Anigbogu made the call on Sept. 16 while welcoming the APGA candidate for Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Emmanuel Nwachukwu, during a thank-you visit to Aguata Local Government Area(LGA).

He warned that exchanging votes for short-term financial benefits could have long-term consequences for communities, noting that elected officials serve for a four-year tenure.

“It is stupid for anyone to sell his vote. It is like giving away your birthright for a plate of porridge,” he said.

According to him, accepting between ₦20,000 and ₦50,000 in exchange for a vote could amount to sacrificing the interests of families and communities for temporary gain.

He, therefore, urged voters to scrutinise candidates based on their antecedents, programmes and political affiliations before making their choices.

“Vote only for credible candidates with identifiable antecedents and who belong to political parties with clear ideology,” Anigbogu said, while expressing support for Senator Emmanuel Nwachukwu and Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike, the party’s candidates for the Senate and Aguata Federal Constituency respectively.

Speaking at the event, Nwachukwu, the incumbent Senator representing Anambra South, urged constituents to assess his representation based on his performance and engagement with the people.

He said his interactions with constituents had remained an important part of his approach to representation, adding that he had held three interactive meetings with them within his less-than-one-year tenure.

“Quality representation is about being close to the people. I have been to Abuja to represent you; give me another opportunity and I will always be in touch with you,” Nwachukwu said.

The APGA candidate for Aguata Federal Constituency, Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike, stressed the importance of cooperation between the Senate and House of Representatives in delivering effective representation.

He called on voters to make informed choices at the polls, saying stronger collaboration between lawmakers could improve representation and development in the constituency.

The event was attended by notable APGA members and political stakeholders, including former Chairman of Nnewi South Local Government Area, Hon. Chieloka Okoye; Director-General of the Senator Emmanuel Nwachukwu Campaign Organisation, Chief Cyprian Okereke; and APGA Chairman, Aguata Local Government Area, Hon. Vitalis Okoroako.