The political atmosphere in Anambra State turned tense during the 2025 governorship election as serious allegations of electoral malpractice surfaced from multiple candidates.
ADC Candidate Raises Alarm
John Nwosu, the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate, openly accused the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance of engaging in massive vote-buying activities across the state. Nwosu made these startling allegations immediately after casting his vote at Oduda Central School, Ward 2, located in Nnewi North Local Government Area.
The candidate expressed deep concern about what he described as widespread financial inducement by Governor Chukwuma Soludo's party. Despite these concerns, Nwosu noted that he felt satisfied with the voter turnout observed at his specific polling unit.
APC Candidate Echoes Similar Concerns
In a separate development that reinforced the vote-buying allegations, Nicholas Ukachukwu, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, reported witnessing similar electoral malpractice. Ukachukwu cast his vote at Osumenyi Ward 2, Polling Unit 012, where he observed what he termed as widespread vote-buying operations.
The APC candidate described this development as posing a serious threat to Nigeria's democratic processes and institutions. He emphasized that such practices undermine the credibility of electoral outcomes and damage public trust in the democratic system.
Governor Soludo's Voting Experience
Meanwhile, Governor Chukwuma Soludo arrived at Isuofia Ward, Ofiyi Square, Polling Unit 002 at approximately 1:15 pm to exercise his franchise. The governor was accompanied by his wife, Nonye, along with his sons and daughters, receiving cheers from townspeople and fellow voters.
Following his voting experience, Governor Soludo described the electoral process as seamless, orderly, and peaceful. He specifically commended the large turnout of voters and the professional conduct demonstrated by both voters and electoral officers throughout the process.
The contrasting narratives emerging from different candidates highlight the contentious nature of the Anambra State governorship election held on November 8, 2025, with allegations of vote-buying threatening to overshadow the electoral process.
