By Bliss Okperan
The candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr Tony Ejiogu, for the November 11, 2023, governorship election in Imo State has appealed to the electorates not to accept the exchange of their votes for money from politicians, stating that such an act was to keep them in bondage.
The governorship candidate in the exercise said this at the grand finale of his campaign on Thursday in Owerri, the state capital.
The politician, who promised to serve the people of the state with integrity and commitment if elected as Governor, was addressing his supporters at Owerri North.
He assured them of a fresh start in Imo politics, saying, “I speak to your consciences. Let’s all come together and make this project a reality. Vote and protect your vote, stand there and make sure your vote is counted. There will be no voter intimidation.”
Mr Ejiogu charged residents of the state to vote for APGA on Saturday, advising voters to conduct themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner to ensure that each vote counts.
“I have presented myself and taken the bold step, and we are well-positioned to move Imo to the Promised Land. Yes, there’s hunger in the land, but change your mindset and don’t accept money to vote for people who will still keep you in bondage. Let’s make things right,” he stated.
Recall that on August 31, he unveiled his plan to rebuild Imo State, and since then, he has traversed the nooks and crannies of the state, covering over 21 local government areas, including the Obube Ancient Kingdom, where no politician has ever visited despite the community’s historic significance.
The accomplished financial and business development expert said it’s “time to rebuild Imo” and restore its lost glory rampaged by insecurity, poor public infrastructure, unemployment, comatose health sector and the neglect of workers and pensioners’ welfare.
Present at this final campaign ground were the chairman of APGA in the state, the deputy governorship candidate, the Director-General of the Tony Ejiogu Campaign, ward chairmen, women, youth leaders, elder statesmen and other stakeholders.
Mr Ejiogu is contesting the position with the incumbent Governor, Mr Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Mr Samuel Anyanwu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); and Mr Athan Achonu of the Labour Party (LP).
Adedapo Adesanya