SEN. Uche Ekwunife, the Senator-elect for Anambra Central Senatorial District, on Monday in Awka condemned the rising spate of vote-buying which allegedly characterised the 2019 general elections in the country.

Ekwunife, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), criticised the tendency at a “Thank You” party organised to host stakeholders of the party in Awka.

The senator-elect was declared winner of the Feb. 23 election after polling 101,548 votes to defeat other candidates.

Her closest rival, Chief Victor Umeh of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) polled 81,429 votes while Chief Sylvester Okonkwo of All Progressives Congress (APC) had 1,099 votes to come third.

“Vote-buying has affected the democratic principle of voluntary expression of franchise.

“There is no how any election can be free, fair and acceptable in a situation where vote-buying and vote selling are the order of the day.

“The trend will make mockery of Nigeria’s democracy if not checked,” Ekwunife said.

She urged community leaders to guard against vote buying in future elections to encourage youths in politics.

She said PDP did not give money for vote buying, stressing that  “the electorate, especially the women, voted their choice.”

The senator-elect, who dedicated her victory to God, however, commended the party stakeholders, electorate, her campaign organsiation and the Church for their support.

She explained that Mr Peter Obi’s voyage as the Vice Presidential candidate of PDP, mainly informed her decision to defect to  the PDP from APC.

While urging the stakeholders to pray for Obi, the senator-elect expressed confidence that the party would emerge victorious at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal.

“We know that Atiku/Obi is the best team to move Nigeria forward,” she said.

The state Chairman of the party, Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu, expressed confidence in the capacity of Ekwunife to ensure quality representation of the people in the senatorial  district.

Nwobu commended party faithful and constituents, especially the women for voting massively for Ekwunife at the poll.

The chairman urged party faithful not to be downcast about the outcome of presidential election, noting that before the expiration of 180 days, Nigerians would smile.

“The PDP was subjected to the greatest intimidation ever witnessed in the state during the elections, but we are happy because we are making progress.

“We have moved from two to six House of Assembly members,” he said, adding that areas with infractions at the election would be contested in court. (NAN)

– Mar. 12, 2019 @ 9:35 GMT |