Anambra Guber Poll: No Amount of Money Can Buy Good Governance – SIDEC Tells Voters

By Praise Chinecherem

Voters in Anambra State have been urged to resist vote buying and uphold the integrity of the forthcoming governorship election.

Executive Director, Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), Ugochi Ehiahuruike, made the appeal while addressing traders at Eke Igbo-Ukwu Market in Aguata Local Government Area of the state.

The sensitization campaign is part of Project IMPACT, implemented by SIDEC in collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Addressing the traders, mostly women, Ehiahuruike said the campaign aims to discourage voter apathy and corrupt electoral practices.

“Our message is simple — say no to vote trading. If you’re not ready to sell, the buyers will not come to you,” she stated.

She urged citizens to emulate a woman who rejected a ₦5,000 bribe from politicians during the 2021 governorship election, noting that she was later rewarded by the state governor with ₦1 million for her integrity.

“Do not sell your future and that of your generation for peanuts. No amount of money can be compared with good governance. Insist on electing a competent and trustworthy leader,” she advised.

Ehiahuruike reminded voters that electoral reforms have strengthened Nigeria’s voting process, making votes count more than ever before.

“Politicians now know they can’t manipulate the system as before, so they resort to buying votes. That shows your vote is your power. Don’t misuse that power — don’t sell your vote for any amount,” she emphasized.

The SIDEC director also urged citizens to respect provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, particularly those on priority voting for vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities (PWDs), pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the elderly.

“Allow them to cast their votes first. It is both lawful and humane,” she said.

Ehiahuruike further cautioned against electoral violence, warning citizens not to allow politicians to exploit them for selfish political gains.

“Shun violence before, during, and after the election. No politician’s ambition is worth your life,” she warned.

SIDEC Coordinator in Aguata LGA, Ngozi Oragbakosi encouraged traders to exercise their franchise on election day.

“Come out and vote. Whether able-bodied or living with disability, you have the right to be treated fairly. Cast your vote and keep it secret — that’s what democracy means,” she said.

Another SIDEC team member, Chioma Enweruzor, reminded voters of their civic responsibility to participate in the process.

“If you don’t vote, you have no right to complain when things go wrong. While going to vote, don’t wear clothes bearing political party logos — it’s against the law. Please pass this message to your husbands and children, especially those eligible to vote.”

She also appealed to the people to maintain peace throughout the election period. “Take part peacefully and avoid anything that could disrupt the harmony of the state,” Enweruzor urged.

The SIDEC team, alongside market women, later embarked on shop-to-shop sensitization at Igboukwu Market, spreading the message of peace, inclusion, and active civic participation under Project IMPACT.