Vote-Buying Allegations Trail Peaceful Anambra Governorship Election

The Anambra governorship election held on Saturday was largely peaceful, with impressive voter turnout across the state, though marred by widespread allegations of vote-buying and minor logistical hitches.

Teams of journalists and observers reported that voters — including the elderly and persons with disabilities — turned out early at many polling units to exercise their franchise.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who ran for re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), won his polling unit in Isuofia and took an early lead over Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, the exercise was overshadowed by widespread complaints of vote-buying.

Those who condemned the alleged malpractice include Governor Soludo himself; Mr. Peter Obi, former Anambra governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP); Dr. George Moghalu, the LP governorship candidate; and leaders of the Obidient Movement.

Soludo Alleges Vote-Buying, Expresses Confidence in Victory

After casting his vote at Ofeiyi Ward 19, Polling Unit 002 in Isuofia, Aguata LGA around 1:30 p.m., Governor Soludo alleged that reports reaching him indicated “massive vote-buying” in some parts of Nnewi South LGA, where some voters were allegedly being paid ₦15,000 each.

He said:

“Today is election day and as expected I’ve been getting calls all over the place. It has been relatively peaceful and going on smoothly, except for minor hitches with BVAS in some places.

We received reports of massive vote-buying in one or two places in Nnewi South. Some candidates seem desperate to win their local government and are sharing ₦15,000 per voter. I said even if they share ₦100,000, let the people vote freely. Based on one man, one vote, we will win by a landslide.”

Moghalu: “Worst Vote-Buying I’ve Ever Seen”

At a briefing in Nnewi, the LP candidate Dr. George Moghalu described the scale of vote-buying as “unprecedented.”

“I have never seen vote-buying on this scale,” Moghalu said. “This election was over-policed, with several Deputy Inspectors General of Police deployed. INEC must redeem its image, and the new chairman must make a statement with this election.”

Obi: Democracy Deteriorating Due to Vote-Buying

After voting at his polling unit in Agulu, Peter Obi lamented what he called “large-scale vote-buying,” warning that it undermines democracy.

“Democracy is deteriorating in our country,” he said. “Those who are victims of bad governance are fueling it by selling their votes for ₦20,000 or ₦30,000. When you sell your vote, you sell your future — no schools, no hospitals, no jobs.”

He maintained that he remains a member of the Labour Party, supporting its candidate, and urged Nigerians to elect leaders committed to service and development.

Security Agents Accused of Ignoring Vote-Buyers

In Nkpor, Idemili North LGA, eyewitnesses alleged that security agents ignored blatant vote-buying activities, with some party agents reportedly offering voters ₦5,000 per ballot.

Mixed Reactions Across the State

While several incidents of vote-buying and logistical issues were reported in parts of Ogbaru, Njikoka, and Awka North LGAs, many observers commended INEC for improvements in conduct and transparency.

Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, gave the exercise a pass mark after monitoring polling units in Nnewi North, describing it as “peaceful and hitch-free.”

Similarly, Senator Tony Nwoye and former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka lauded the generally peaceful process, though Nwoye noted low voter turnout in some areas.

APGA National Chairman, Mr. Sly Ezeokenwa, and other stakeholders, including Hon. Emeka Orji and Chief Promise Egbeji, also commended INEC for a credible process despite isolated BVAS malfunctions.

Soludo in Commanding Lead

Early results from most of the 21 local government areas placed Governor Soludo in a commanding lead. If the trend continued, he was projected to secure re-election comfortably.

Isolated Incidents

Meanwhile, a local APGA leader in Orumba South LGA was reported dead under unclear circumstances during the poll, while a NYSC member serving as presiding officer in Ihiala was allegedly assaulted by angry voters who accused him of manipulation.

Despite these incidents, the election was generally peaceful, with calm maintained across most polling units.

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