ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the Anambra State election, John Nwosu, has rejected the outcome of the just-concluded poll, describing it as “a ruse and a total subversion of the people’s will.”
In a statement personally signed and issued on Sunday, Nwosu alleged that the exercise was marred by “massive vote-buying and shameless financial inducement” across polling units in the state.
According to him, the process was turned into a marketplace where votes were openly traded for cash ranging from N3,000 to N20,000.
“A win bought with cash is a loss for democracy. What took place yesterday was a national embarrassment and a direct assault on the integrity of our democracy,” Nwosu said.
The ADC flagbearer lamented the failure of key institutions to uphold the sanctity of the ballot, stressing that true victory in an election lies in the integrity of the process, not merely in the figures announced by the electoral umpire.
“An election riddled with corruption, manipulation, and vote trading cannot and will never represent the voice of the people,” he said, adding that “a shambolic election confers a shambolic mandate.”
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He further criticised the inability of relevant agencies to protect electoral credibility, noting that when fairness collapses, the system loses the moral authority to declare winners.
“This culture of electoral corruption must end if we truly desire a prosperous and just society,” Nwosu stated.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) winner of the election, having secured 422,664 votes across all 21 local government areas of the state. Nwosu, on the other hand, polled 8,208 votes.
Despite his dissatisfaction with the process, Nwosu commended members of the ADC, his campaign team, and supporters for standing firm amid what he described as intimidation and financial inducements.
“You stood firm in the face of intimidation and inducement. You chose honour over compromise, truth over deceit, and conviction over convenience. You are the true defenders of democracy,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to the ADC’s vision for a new Anambra, Nwosu pledged to continue championing a leadership model rooted in transparency, values, and technology-driven governance.
“This struggle continues. We will not surrender. We will not be silent. Our movement will keep pressing until the people of Anambra can freely choose their leaders without fear or inducement. Anambra deserves better, and together, we will build it,” he stated.
Nwosu was among several candidates who decried widespread vote-buying during Saturday’s election.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the arrest of three suspected vote buyers in different parts of the state, adding that the suspects would face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.
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However, INEC dismissed the allegations.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, Queen Agwu, urged anyone making such claims to provide credible proof.
“When the two strongest candidates went to vote, they mentioned vote-buying. But like I said during voter education, anyone with such information should provide facts and figures,” Agwu said during an interview on Channels Television on Saturday.
She added that vote-buying is a grave electoral offence that requires verifiable evidence.
“If you want to accuse someone, give us evidence. You can’t just go on television and say there’s vote-buying everywhere without mentioning one place,” she maintained.