The electorates have been asked to avoid the politics of tribesmen and religious sentiment.
Mr Valentine Ayika, Dunukofia, Njikoka Anaocha candidate under Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), said this in Awka on Thursday during a maiden Debate organised by Nigeria Union of Journalists, Anambra Council, in conjunction with Bring it On Africa, a Society for Equity Justice and Peace (SEJUP).
Ayika said that the principle of politics based on sentiment needs to be erased from the minds of the electorate.
He said that the creativity, capacity, ability, integrity and pedigree of a candidate should be the basic qualifications to vote a person into leadership.
“Nigerians should, at any level of politicking, shun in its entirety the politics of tribesmen, and religious ideology but competence must be the watchword,” he said.
Prof Oby Orogbo, a candidate of the Labour Party (LP) vying for Anambra North and South Federal Constituency, said that a clear distinction needs to be made on the roles of legislature and executives.
Orogbo said that the electorates need to have a clear knowledge of the legislature so as to expect quality legislation from lawmakers.
She said if elected to represent the Constituency, her tool for proper briefing would be constant town hall meetings.
“Electorates are defocused on what legislature should do and what executive arm stands for, renewed mindset is key to development.
“The people should note that with quality legislation, the executive would be on their toes to serve the people effectively.
“As a lawmaker, it is not my duty to build bridges, roads, create employment amongst others but with quality and effective legislation the executives would perform optimally,” she said.
Candidates for the House of Representatives in attendance were Dr Emeka Eze, PDP, Mr Kingsley Uyanadu, YPP, Mr Chinedu Ekwunife, SDP, and Dr Emeka Igwe, PDP.
Earlier, the candidates for Anambra Central Senatorial Zone appeared before the panel for their manifesto presentations.
Chief Victor Umeh of the Labour Party said that he is desirous to join the 10th assembly to move quality motions that would change the narrative of the country.
Dr Chiendu Umeadi, of YPP, said he intends to use his wide knowledge in developing quality laws that would enhance the medical, economic and social development of the country.
Mrs Helen Mbakwe, NNPC, said that Nigerians need lawmakers that will enact laws that respect nobody but that people should live to honour the laws of the land.
“Part of the problem faced in the country is lawlessness. I want to get to the senate to join hands with well-meaning Nigerians that make beneficial laws to all citizens, youths, women men, children and special persons,” Mbakwe said.
Dozie Nwankwo, APGA, and Chief Kodilinye Okelekwe, APC, were all in attendance.
Dr Emeka Odogwu, Chairman, Anambra Council of Nigerian Union of Journalists, commended the candidates for their response to the call.
Mr Emeka Kalu, head of the coordinators, commended the politicians for conducting themselves averagely well.