LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Senator representing Anambra Central, Victor Umeh, has called for the immediate arrest of individuals involved in vote buying during the ongoing governorship election in Anambra State, warning that such acts undermine democracy.
Speaking with journalists shortly after casting his vote at Polling Unit 019, Aguluzoigbo Town Hall, Ward 3, in Anaocha Local Government Area, Umeh described the election as peaceful and orderly.
He commended the smooth operation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), noting that unlike previous elections, there were no complaints from voters about malfunctioning devices or security breaches.
READ ALSO:APGA Dismisses Vote-Buying Allegations Ahead Of Anambra Election
“This is the first time I have not received calls from my people complaining about one reason or another for being unable to vote,” he said. “The atmosphere is peaceful, security is strong, and so far, there have been no negative reports.”
The senator urged Nigerians to resist electoral malpractice and protect the credibility of the democratic process. “We should elect leaders through the will of the people, not manipulation or rigging,” he said. “If we begin to uphold this principle, our democracy will grow and blossom.”
Condemning vote buying, Umeh stressed that both buyers and sellers of votes are harming the nation. “Anyone who believes the only way to win is through rigging and buying votes is an enemy of Nigeria,” he said. “Those who sell their votes are selling their right to complain. Whatever money they receive will not last, but the damage will last four years.”
He urged security agencies to act swiftly wherever credible evidence of vote buying exists. “If proven, those behind it should be arrested,” he added. “The right thing is to evaluate candidates objectively and vote for them. That is how we deepen democracy.”