Labour Party candidate for Bende Federal Constituency, Chima Anyaso, has urged Nigerians, particularly youths, to avoid electoral violence and resist attempts to manipulate the electoral process. He made this call during the signing of a social contract with the people of Bende Local Government Area and the presentation of his manifesto to stakeholders, party leaders, and residents of the constituency. Anyaso emphasized that no election is worth one's life and no politician's ambition is worth destroying one's future.
Anyaso addressed stakeholders from the 13 wards of the constituency, including traditional rulers, pressure groups, youths, and civil society organisations. He urged young people not to allow themselves to be used to perpetrate violence during the elections. The Igbere-born entrepreneur criticized the inadequate representation and poor infrastructure in Bende despite the resources accruing to the constituency. He promised to attract quality roads, hospitals, schools, and adequately fund skills acquisition and other opportunities for youths and women.
Anyaso presented a pact containing his proposed development agenda, which he described as a covenant midwifed through hard work and diligence, taking into consideration the interests and plights of communities in Bende Federal Constituency. He urged voters to scrutinise the records and credentials of candidates seeking elective positions in the 2027 elections, arguing that democracy would have greater impact when people with credible records were given the mandate to govern.
The Labour Party candidate also urged the people of Bende to reject empty promises and demand transparency, accountability, and measurable results from their representatives. He announced that he would serve a maximum of two terms if elected, citing the political understanding between the Umunna and Ikwu Isii blocs that make up the constituency. Anyaso pledged to support an Ikwu Isii candidate at the appropriate time since he is from the Umunna section.
Anyaso commended the state governor, Alex Otti, other Labour Party leaders, and residents of Bende for their support. He urged his supporters not to be intimidated ahead of the election, saying they should not allow anybody to tell them that the election has already been decided. The event was attended by several notable figures, including the SSA to the Governor on Environment, Prof Ijeoma Iheukwumere, and the State Labour Party Chairman, Chief Peter Azubuike.
The attendees at the event commended Anyaso for the pact and described him as a reliable and tested leader. They pledged their support for his political ambition. Anyaso's campaign council director, Pastor Okey Dike, was among those who spoke at the event. The Labour Party candidate's call for peaceful elections and good governance resonated with the attendees.
The article was written by Sunday Nwakanma, a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over 25 years of professional experience in reporting. He is based in Abia State and has worked across local, regional, and national newspapers, covering a wide range of public affairs issues.
Key points
- Chima Anyaso urges Abia youths to shun electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- Anyaso presents a social contract and manifesto to stakeholders in Bende Federal Constituency.
- The Labour Party candidate promises to serve a maximum of two terms if elected.
