Anambra Poll: ASMATA Patron Expresses Confidence in Soludo’s Victory, Urges INEC to Conduct Free, Fair Election
The President-General of the Building Materials International Market, Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Chief Jude Nwankwo
By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha
Barely one week to the governorship election in Anambra State, the President-General of the Building Materials International Market, Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Chief Jude Nwankwo, has expressed confidence that Professor Charles Soludo will emerge victorious.
Chief Nwankwo stated that Ndi Anambra are fully prepared and will come out en masse on election day to cast their votes for Professor Soludo.
Speaking with journalists in his office, Chief Nwankwo, who also serves as the Patron of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) stated that Soludo had performed exceptionally well during his first tenure.
He added that the people of Anambra would once again return him for a second term.
Nwankwo noted that the November 8 gubernatorial election in Anambra State is crucial to Ndi Anambra, stressing that Soludo cannot afford to lose his mandate.
He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the conduct of a free, fair, and transparent election in the state.
Nwankwo, popularly known as Jolity, further advised INEC to ensure the timely distribution of sensitive election materials and to provide functional Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS) to enhance the credibility and transparency of the election.
He also called on security agencies to be proactive and professional in discharging their duties to prevent electoral fraud, thuggery, and other malpractices, while ensuring adequate security for voters on election day.
“I am convinced that we, the market traders, will give Soludo not less than 80 percent block votes,” “Soludo’s administration has impacted all sectors. He has performed well physically, morally, and spiritually in the sense that he has eradicated Ndi Oke-ite, Ndi Eze Nwanyi, fake herbalists, and money rituals in the state.
“In terms of physical performance, Soludo has transformed Anambra State with access roads, flyovers, bridges, streetlights, pipe-borne water, and a strong security network. As you can see, everywhere is peaceful , unlike before, during his first tenure campaigns, when people were being shot indiscriminately. Back then, appearing at any party rally could cost one’s life, but it is not so now.” Nwankwo declared.
He further explained that Soludo had also made significant achievements in healthcare delivery and education, adding that he eradicated illegal revenue collection, eliminated touts, and restored peace in markets across Anambra State.
According to him, traders and communities have contributed funds to support Soludo’s re-election bid.
“We will work hard to ensure his victory. If he fails, our efforts and contributions would be in vain. We have witnessed good leadership in Anambra, and we want it to continue. Instead of Soludo giving us money, we contributed to support him because we love his leadership. We know that when he returns for a second term, he will perform even better — for to whom much is given, much is expected,” Nwankwo added.
