As candidates for the Anambra gubernatorial election begin campaigns and unveil manifestos to attract residents who share their ideals, the state governor, Charles Soludo, has urged his supporters to collect money and gifts if offered by the opposition in exchange for votes.
However, Soludo encouraged his supporters to accept any monetary or material inducements offered by rival parties but to ultimately vote for him, arguing that the current economic hardship makes it unrealistic to expect people to turn down such offers.
The governor, who is seeking a second term on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the same party through which he won his first mandate, made this statement during his campaign rally in Atani, Anambra State, on Friday.
“When they offer you money, collect it. If they provide free fuel, go and line up and collect it. Whatever gift they offer, collect it. it will be like a movie to them,” he said.
While declaring his manifesto, Soludo stated that his administration, if given another opportunity in the upcoming election scheduled for November 8, would further transform Anambra State.
One of the key highlights of his manifesto is the “Womb to Adulthood” initiative, under which his government plans to provide free antenatal care for pregnant women until delivery.
Soludo added that every child born under this scheme would enjoy free education in any government school of their choice, from primary to secondary school.
“The next four years, if you vote on November 8, will be different from any before. Help is on the way, in human capital, health, education, and economic transformation,” Soludo said.
“We have a vision that every child in Anambra will be cared for from the womb. We will provide free antenatal care, free delivery (including caesarean operations), and free drugs. Every child born in Anambra will have access to free education in government schools, from primary to secondary (SS3), and when they reach university, we will offer bursaries,” the governor added.
He further urged supporters to turn out in large numbers on election day and vote for APGA, promising that the coming years would bring greater transformation and progress for the state.
