Admin I Thursday, August 21, 2025
AWKA, Anambra- The governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in the upcoming Anambra State gubernatorial election, Ozo Jeff Nweke, has strongly condemned the rampant vote buying that characterized last Saturday’s by-election in the state.
Addressing the people during a press briefing, Nweke described the trend as a shameful reflection of the moral and institutional decay that has infiltrated Anambra’s political landscape.
“What we are witnessing today in Anambra State is not politics,it is a degeneration of values, a complete collapse of decency and integrity in the way we pursue power.
“Our political conduct has become self-centered, short-sighted, and morally bankrupt. This is not the kind of politics that builds societies; it is the kind that destroys them.”he said.
Nweke criticized the prevailing political atmosphere where ambition has eclipsed public service, and where politicians act without humility or a sense of responsibility to the people.
“It is alarming that many of us no longer see the need to conduct ourselves with dignity during political campaigns.
“We must remember that we are servants of the people, and our actions must reflect humility in all its dimensions.”je stated.
In response to recent attacks on Governor Charles Soludo’s son, Nweke called for greater encouragement of youth participation in public life, rather than disparagement.
“We must support and uplift the aspirations of young people in Anambra and indeed, across Nigeria,especially those who choose the path of self-reliance and industry. It is easy to fall into privilege and waste it, but it is commendable when a young man, even with advantages, chooses to stand on his own, to be resilient and self-made,” he said.
While addressing this point, Nweke also clarified that criticisms against the young man’s involvement in the entertainment industry were misplaced.
“There is absolutely nothing wrong with his expressive style or performance gestures, particularly given his engagement in the creative sector, such as music. We must be careful not to judge through narrow lenses that stifle youth innovation and expression.”he added.
However, Nweke emphasized that the pressing issue at hand remains the epidemic of vote buying.
“Vote buying is not just a criminal act it is the cancer eating deep into the very soul of our democracy.
“It undermines free choice, perpetuates bad governance, and is directly responsible for the corruption that has gripped every corner of our society.”he said.
He urged all stakeholders to take a firm stand ahead of the November 8 election.
“We must rise, collectively and decisively, to resist and reject vote buying in all its forms. If we allow this trend to continue, the consequences for future generations will be dire. This election must not become another dark chapter in our history.”he noted.
Nweke called for holistic political reform and citizen vigilance in the state.
“This is not just about politics. It’s about the future of Anambra. Let us reclaim our dignity, restore our values, and renew our democracy,starting by fighting vote buying with every force of conscience and civic responsibility we possess.”he added.
