The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, Thursday reaffirmed his commitment to a civil and issues-based campaign throughout the electioneering period.

Obaze, who made the statement during a breakfast meeting with the US Consul General, Hon. F. John Bray and his delegation in Awka said he was gratified that the US government along with other foreign agencies and domestic civic organisations will be involved in the monitoring of the November 18, 2017 election to ensure that it is free, fair and sufficiently credible.

According to the former United Nations official, “There’s a general belief that the outcome of the Anambra election will influence the 2019 general elections, which makes Anambra ground zero.”

The PDP candidate also exchanged views with his interlocutor on his policy approach as contained in his manifesto, about security in the South East and other political, social and economic issues.

He, however, expressed deep concern about the use of the military for purely civilian Police duties.

While speaking on education, Obaze affirmed his commitment to meeting 26 percent budget target for education with 10 percent of that going to faith-based schools as well as offering free education from Kindergarten to JS3 as a means of reducing the number of out of school children in Nigeria as well as ensuring qualitative and affordable education across board.

He added: “If you offer free education from Kindergarten to JS3, there’s no reason for children to be on the streets. It is then that you can also sanction offenders including parents and guardians.”

Earlier in his speech, H.E John Bray, said he was in Anambra to talk to the candidates and key stakeholders to get their feel ahead of the elections saying that the routine visit was also part of the training for their team in electoral monitoring process and not an endorsement of any candidate or political party.

He gave the assurance that the US team will be fully on ground for the elections.

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