ADC Governorship Candidate Denounces Anambra Election Results
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate in the recent Anambra State governorship election, John Nwosu, has formally rejected the outcome of the November 8, 2025 poll, describing it as a complete betrayal of democratic principles.
In a strongly worded statement released following the announcement of results, Mr. Nwosu characterized the election as a "ruse and total subversion of the people's will" that failed to reflect the genuine choice of Anambra voters.
Allegations of Systematic Vote Buying
The ADC candidate leveled serious accusations against the electoral process, claiming that widespread vote buying and financial inducements had corrupted the election across polling units throughout the state.
Nwosu alleged that voters received cash payments ranging from ₦3,000 to ₦20,000 at various polling locations, transforming what should have been a democratic exercise into what he called a "marketplace" rather than a legitimate election.
"This is a national embarrassment and a direct assault on the integrity of our democracy; it was a win bought with cash and a loss for democracy," Nwosu stated emphatically.
Soludo's Landslide Victory Amid Controversy
Professor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was declared the winner of the election by Professor Edoba Omoregie, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chief Returning Officer and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin.
The official results showed a dominant performance by the incumbent governor:Soludo secured 422,664 votes, sweeping all 21 local government areas in Anambra State.
His closest competitor, Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), garnered 99,445 votes, while ADC candidate John Nwosu finished third with 8,208 votes.
Institutional Failure and Democratic Concerns
Nwosu expressed profound disappointment in what he described as the failure of electoral institutions to protect the sanctity of the voting process. He asserted that the system had lost the moral authority to declare legitimate winners.
"True victory is judged not by the outcome but by the integrity of the process. An election riddled with corruption, manipulation, and vote trading cannot and will never represent the voice of the people," he argued.
The ADC candidate issued a stark warning about the implications for Nigeria's democratic future, stating that "when votes are bought, the future is sold." He called for an immediate end to what he characterized as a deeply entrenched culture of electoral corruption.
EFCC Confirms Vote Buying Arrests
Adding credibility to Nwosu's allegations, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the arrest of three individuals suspected of engaging in vote buying during the election.
The arrests occurred in separate locations across Anambra State:Emeka Ilokasia at Ward 2 in Njikoka LGA, Nwachukwu Loretta at Ward 2 in Awkuzu, Oyi LGA, and Emuka Chuwudi at Umunachi village in Dunukofia LGA.
These arrests demonstrate that vote buying incidents were indeed occurring during the electoral process, though the scale remains a matter of contention.
Presidential Congratulations and Institutional Praise
Despite the controversy, President Bola Tinubu congratulated Governor Soludo on his re-election, describing the victory as a reflection of public confidence in his leadership.
In a statement issued from Abuja on Sunday, President Tinubu noted that Soludo's re-election marked a significant political milestone, making him only the third governor in Anambra's history to win a second term.
"Professor Soludo's re-election is a testament to his visionary leadership and the significant progress the state has made under his guidance," the president stated.
Tinubu also commended the new INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, for overseeing what he characterized as a "credible and transparent election," while encouraging the electoral body to continue improving Nigeria's democratic processes.
Contrasting Narratives Emerge
The election has produced sharply contrasting narratives about the state of Nigerian democracy. While official institutions celebrate a peaceful and credible process, the ADC candidate's allegations paint a picture of systematic corruption that undermines democratic foundations.
Nwosu maintained that despite the outcome, he remained proud of his party and campaign team for standing firm "in the face of intimidation and inducement" and for choosing "honour, truth and conviction over convenience."
The controversy surrounding the Anambra governorship election highlights ongoing challenges in Nigeria's electoral system and raises important questions about the integrity of future polls in the country.
