Anambra Governorship Poll: Allegations of Vote-Buying Trail Largely Peaceful Election

Awka, Anambra State — Allegations of large-scale vote-buying and minor logistical hitches trailed Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State, which was otherwise peaceful and witnessed impressive voter turnout across most local government areas.

Reports from Vanguard correspondents indicated that voters, including the elderly and physically challenged, arrived early at polling stations to cast their ballots.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who voted at his Ofeiyi Ward 19, Polling Unit 002, Isuofia, Aguata LGA, expressed confidence in securing a landslide victory despite reports of vote-buying in parts of Nnewi South LGA.

“The exercise has been largely peaceful, though there were hitches with BVAS in a few areas. We’ve received reports of massive vote-buying in Nnewi South, with voters allegedly paid ₦15,000. Even if they share ₦100,000, I’m confident the people’s votes will prevail,” Soludo said.

Moghalu: Worst Vote-Buying in Nigeria’s History

Labour Party governorship candidate Dr. George Moghalu condemned what he described as “the highest level of vote-buying ever witnessed in Nigeria.” Speaking from his residence in Nnewi alongside the Obidient Movement’s National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, Moghalu said he would announce his next steps after receiving reports from his agents in all 320 wards.

Obi: Democracy Deteriorating

Former governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, decried the scale of voter inducement, alleging that sums ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦30,000 were offered to voters.

“Democracy is deteriorating in Nigeria. Those who suffer most from bad governance are the ones fueling it through vote-selling,” Obi said after voting in Agulu, Anaocha LGA.
“By selling your vote, you are selling away schools, hospitals, and your future,” he added, urging journalists to help expose the trend.

Security Agents Accused of Turning Blind Eye

At polling units in Nkpor (Units 009–013), observers reported that party agents openly paid voters ₦5,000 to vote for a particular party, while security operatives allegedly looked the other way.

Bianca Ojukwu, Chidoka Brothers, Others Praise INEC

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the smooth conduct of the exercise after casting her vote in Nnewi North LGA.
Similar commendations came from former Aviation Minister Chief Osita Chidoka and his brother Hon. Obinna Chidoka, who described the process in Obosi Ward 1 as peaceful and well-organized.

Ezeokenwa, Orji, Egbeji Hail Peaceful Process

APGA National Chairman Mr. Sly Ezeokenwa lauded INEC for the orderly process in Onitsha South, despite minor BVAS glitches and initial delays in the arrival of result sheets.
The Mayor of Onitsha South, Hon. Emeka Orji, and businessman Chief Promise Egbeji similarly described the election as free, fair, and credible.

Early Results Show Soludo in Clear Lead

Preliminary results from several LGAs — including Aguata, Njikoka, Awka North and South, Idemili North and South, and Onitsha North showed Governor Soludo maintaining a comfortable lead.

Tragedy and Isolated Incidents

A senior APGA chieftain in Orumba South LGA was feared dead during the election, while a NYSC member serving as a presiding officer in Ihiala was reportedly assaulted by aggrieved voters over alleged manipulation.

Despite minor logistical setbacks in areas such as Ogbaru, Njikoka, and Awka North, and reports of vote-buying in several LGAs, the poll remained largely peaceful across the state.

As collation continues, observers and stakeholders are urging political actors to respect the outcome and ensure the will of Ndi Anambra prevails.