Soludo Alleges Vote Buying, Expresses Confidence in Victory if Electoral System Functions Properly

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has raised concerns over alleged cases of vote buying by an unnamed opposition party during Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

Soludo, who is seeking re-election under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), made the allegation shortly after casting his vote alongside his wife at Ofiyi Square Polling Unit 002 in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area, around 1:25 p.m.

The governor expressed optimism about winning the election, provided the process adheres strictly to the Electoral Act and the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He stated that early reports reaching him suggested that APGA was on track to secure victory across all 21 local government areas of the state, adding that he deeply appreciates the trust and confidence reposed in him by the electorate.

According to Soludo, the voting exercise had been largely peaceful, except for a few hitches in areas such as Olumbanasa in Anambra West, where the BVAS machines malfunctioned, and Nnewi South, where large-scale vote buying reportedly took place, with voters allegedly receiving between ₦15,000 and ₦20,000 each.

He further accused one of the opposition candidates of making “desperate attempts” to win the election by allegedly bribing electoral officials to withhold result uploads, with the intention of substituting them with falsified results.

Meanwhile, former Anambra governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, also condemned the widespread vote buying observed in the election.

Speaking after casting his vote at Umudim/Akasi Ward around 11:50 a.m., Obi lamented that votes were allegedly being purchased for between ₦20,000 and ₦30,000 each, describing the practice as a dangerous trend that undermines Nigeria’s democracy.

“My personal experience today shows that democracy in our country is deteriorating,” Obi said. “Unfortunately, those who suffer most from bad governance are the ones promoting it. If you sell your vote for ₦30,000, you are selling away education, healthcare, jobs, and your future. It’s a worrisome situation.”

He urged journalists and civil society groups to join hands in tackling the menace, noting that such incidents are rare in other African countries where he has observed elections.

On his expectations for the election outcome, Obi said:
“I’m a member of the Labour Party and support our candidate, but everyone in this race is my brother or sister. I’m not on the ballot, I served as governor 13 years ago. I now operate in the Champions League of politics, aspiring for the presidency. Those contesting today are in the First Division, and I wish them well. Whoever emerges should focus on serving the people.”