LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Vote buying once again marred the Anambra State governorship election on Saturday, with several political parties and observers raising concerns over widespread cash inducement and voter intimidation across polling units.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, who voted in Nnewi South, alleged that voters were being offered money to sell their votes and that some APC polling agents had been harassed.
“Giving up your vote in exchange for cash is giving up your voice in this election,” Ukachukwu said.
Incumbent Governor and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, also condemned reports of inducement, describing the process at his Isuofia polling unit as smooth but warning that “some parties are trying to influence voters with money.” He alleged that a political party had “already written results in advance” but assured that “such plans will not stand.”
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Anambra APC publicity secretary, Valentine Iluobi, decried what he called “massive vote buying” in several parts of the state. “Only the APC is not buying votes. APGA, LP, and others are all involved. INEC and security agencies must act,” he said.
African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, John Chuma Nwosu, claimed he was pressured by supporters to join the practice. “My agents asked me to bring money to buy votes, but I refused. I told them I would rather lose than compromise my principles,” he stated.
Election observer and civil rights advocate, Mma Odi, corroborated reports of open vote buying in Nnewi South, saying, “We saw party agents offering cash to voters without any challenge. It is not limited to one party.”
Meanwhile, YIAGA Africa’s Executive Director, Samson Itodo, attributed low voter turnout to weak voter education by political parties. “Rallies are not enough; parties must do more grassroots sensitization,” he said.
With over 2.8 million registered voters across 21 local government areas, security agencies and observers continue to monitor the process closely as the APC and others call for decisive action to safeguard the integrity of the poll.