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Awka Anambra State
The deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the ongoing Anambra State governorship election, Senator Uche Ekwunife, has raised alarm over what she described as massive vote buying and electoral manipulation allegedly perpetrated by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) across the state.
Speaking to reporters during the election, Ekwunife alleged that APGA agents were openly inducing voters with cash and material gifts in exchange for their votes. She described the development as a “serious threat to democracy” and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to urgently intervene to safeguard the credibility of the electoral process.
Ekwunife Condemns Vote Buying, Calls for Immediate Investigation
Senator Ekwunife, who is contesting on the joint ticket with the APC governorship candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, stated that several reports from party agents and observers indicated systematic voter inducement allegedly sponsored by APGA operatives in different polling units across Anambra State.
She claimed that the ruling party in the state, led by Governor Charles Soludo, had mobilized huge financial resources to influence voters, especially in areas such as Awka South, Nnewi North, and Onitsha North, where the contest appeared to be most competitive.
“What we are witnessing in this election is a brazen display of vote buying. In several polling units, APGA agents are openly sharing money and materials to voters to buy their conscience. This is against the spirit of democracy,” Ekwunife said.
She further lamented that the trend, if not immediately addressed, would make it impossible for credible and issue-based elections to thrive in the state. According to her, vote buying undermines the will of the people and destroys the very foundation of electoral integrity.
Security Agencies and INEC Urged to Act Swiftly
Ekwunife urged the police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and other relevant authorities to swing into action by arresting and prosecuting anyone caught engaging in vote buying.
She also appealed to the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Anambra State to ensure that field officers and ad hoc staff maintain neutrality and prevent any party from compromising the process.
“INEC must rise to its responsibility. The credibility of this election is at stake. Nigerians and the international community are watching. We cannot continue to allow money to decide leadership in our democracy,” she warned.
The APC deputy governorship candidate emphasized that her party had committed itself to running a campaign focused on development, security, and good governance, not on monetary inducements. She expressed disappointment that despite repeated warnings by INEC and security agencies, reports of vote buying continued to dominate election coverage across the state.
Widespread Reports of Electoral Irregularities
Independent observers and civil society groups monitoring the election also raised concerns about incidents of vote buying across several polling units. In parts of Nnewi, Ihiala, Aguata, and Onitsha, there were reports of political party agents discreetly distributing cash to prospective voters before they cast their ballots.
While some of the transactions were conducted in the open, others were more subtle involving the use of food items and clothing materials as inducements. Voters were allegedly asked to show evidence of their votes before receiving payment, an act that contravenes the Electoral Act of 2022.
Despite the presence of security personnel in many polling units, enforcement was reportedly weak, allowing the practice to persist throughout the voting period.
APGA Denies Allegations, Accuses APC of Desperation
In response to Ekwunife’s allegations, a senior member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) dismissed the claims as “baseless and politically motivated.”
According to the APGA official, the party had no reason to buy votes, as it enjoyed overwhelming support from Anambra residents due to Governor Charles Soludo’s performance in office.
“These accusations are just tactics by the APC to discredit the election because they know they are losing. APGA does not need to buy votes our achievements in education, infrastructure, and local empowerment speak for us,” the spokesperson said.
The party also accused the APC of attempting to distract voters and create unnecessary tension, urging the electoral commission to ignore what it called “political propaganda.”
Observers Call for Stricter Enforcement of Electoral Laws
Election observers, including representatives of civil society groups and media organizations, have called for the review and strengthening of mechanisms to curb vote buying in future elections.
They argued that while INEC has improved in logistics and technology deployment, the issue of voter inducement remains a major obstacle to free and fair elections. Many stakeholders have suggested the use of more discreet surveillance systems at polling units and stricter penalties for offenders.
Observers also recommended greater public awareness campaigns to discourage voters from selling their votes, stressing that democracy can only flourish when elections reflect the genuine will of the people.
Ekwunife Restates Confidence in the Electoral Process
Despite her concerns, Senator Ekwunife expressed confidence that the people of Anambra would still vote wisely and ensure that the will of the electorate prevails. She maintained that the APC remains optimistic about its chances in the ongoing election and urged voters to resist monetary inducements.
“Anambra people are intelligent, and I believe many of them will not allow anyone to buy their conscience. The power to shape our future lies in our votes, not in the money shared at polling units,” she said.
Ekwunife reiterated that the APC’s campaign had been centered on restoring economic growth, job creation, youth empowerment, and infrastructural development in Anambra.
Conclusion: The Battle for Credibility in Anambra’s Election
The allegations of massive vote buying levelled by Senator Uche Ekwunife have once again reignited the debate about electoral malpractice and integrity in Nigeria’s democratic process. As the governorship election continues and collation of results proceeds, all eyes remain on INEC and the security agencies to ensure that the process remains transparent and credible.
Analysts believe that how these allegations are handled will determine the level of public confidence in the outcome of the election. The Anambra poll serves as a crucial test for Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of future elections, particularly in maintaining fairness, curbing electoral corruption, and restoring faith in the ballot.
For now, the people of Anambra and indeed all Nigerians await the official declaration of results, hoping that the true will of the electorate will prevail over financial inducement and political manipulation.
