Afam Victor Ogene, leader of the Anambra caucus in the House of Representatives, has accused the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Governor Chukwuma Soludo of attempting to pressure voters ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency and heads the Labour Party caucus in the Green Chamber, condemned what he described as threats aimed at forcing residents to back the incumbent. He argued that such tactics violate democratic principles and must be rejected by the electorate.

In a statement released Thursday in Awka, the lawmaker stressed that democracy thrives only when citizens are free to make choices without fear of punishment.

“It is wrong and undemocratic to suggest that communities who do not support the government will be denied development,” he said. “Roads, boreholes, schools — these cannot be reserved only for political loyalists. They serve everyone.”

He lamented that despite Ogbaru’s contribution to state revenue, particularly through oil production, the area has been neglected. The only major access road remains in terrible condition, crippling commerce and isolating farmers who struggle to transport goods to markets.

“Instead of addressing our long-standing infrastructural challenges, we are being blackmailed into believing that unless we vote a certain way, the suffering will continue,” Ogene added.

He urged residents of Ogbaru and the wider Anambra electorate to go to the polls on November 8 and cast their votes based on personal conviction, not coercion.

“Every citizen has a constitutional duty to participate in elections. Go out and vote your conscience — without fear, intimidation or inducement,” he declared.

With the election just days away, Ogene’s remarks add to increasing concerns about voter pressure and the broader political climate in the state.