Opposition parties in Anambra State have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to investigate the state government's spending ahead of the November 8 governorship election. The call follows Governor Charles Soludo's pledge of financial rewards to wards won by his All Progressives Grand Alliance. Critics accuse the move of vote buying, while the government insists it is mere motivation.
Opposition political parties contesting the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State have demanded that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) probe the state government's expenditures in the lead-up to the poll and apply sanctions if violations are found.
The outcry stems from a recent campaign rally in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area, where Governor Charles Soludo, seeking re-election on the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) platform, promised financial incentives for strong performances by his party's wards. "We promised each of these wards ₦1 million, and next week, we will redeem it. The ward that comes first will get ₦5 million, the second ₦3 million, and the third ₦2 million. For November 8, any ward that wins again will receive ₦1 million, while the top three performing wards will get ₦5 million, ₦2 million, and ₦1 million respectively," Soludo stated, referencing similar pledges from an earlier South Senatorial Zone election.
Opposition figures decried the announcement as vote buying. Paul Chukwuma, the Young Progressives Party (YPP) candidate, emphasized his party's commitment to a peaceful, free, and fair election but highlighted the alarming level of vote buying under the state government. He also alleged the presence of "state-backed armed militias parading prohibited firearms," calling on INEC and security agencies to safeguard the process.
John Nwosu, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, echoed these concerns through his Chief of Staff, Ben Chuks Nwosu, urging INEC to enforce electoral laws strictly. "Vote buying must be dealt with decisively if a credible election is to be achieved. We are hopeful that INEC will set a new standard for transparency and fairness in this election," he said.
Okey Chukwuogo, Director-General of the Labour Party's George Muoghalu Campaign Organisation, expressed worries over the incumbent's access to state resources but voiced confidence in INEC's ability to ensure a peaceful vote. "What worries us is the willingness. The incumbent has enormous resources at his disposal, and we can’t predict how they intend to deploy them. The Labour Party remains committed to peaceful participation and will continue to resist vote buying."
The Anambra State government rejected the accusations. Information Commissioner Dr. Law Mefor described Soludo's remarks as "an act of motivation, not inducement," claiming they were taken out of context to energize supporters rather than buy votes.
Meanwhile, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Nicholas Ukachukwu outlined his vision during a visit to Onitsha traders, promising stable power supply by harnessing the Omasi gas deposit in Ayamelum Local Government Area, enhanced security, and educational scholarships. He signed a Memorandum of Understanding with market leaders to tackle issues like multiple taxation, poor roads, and extortion.