Contrasting Narratives Emerge in Anambra Governorship Election
The 2025 Anambra State governorship election unfolded with sharply differing accounts from major political figures regarding the conduct and atmosphere of the voting process. While the All Progressives Congress candidate raised serious allegations of electoral malpractice, a prominent government minister described the exercise as largely peaceful and well-organized.
APC Candidate Alleges Systematic Vote-Buying
Nicholas Ukachukwu, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, cast his vote at approximately 11:45 a.m. at Umudiala 1, Polling Unit 011, Osumenyi Ward 2 in Nnewi South Local Government Area. Accompanied by his wife, the candidate immediately raised concerns about what he described as massive vote-buying by the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance.
Ukachukwu specifically alleged that APGA was paying N15,000 for each vote and claimed this practice was widespread across the state. Despite these serious allegations, he expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission, stating "Yes, I'm confident in INEC. They are doing a good job."
The APC candidate remained optimistic about his electoral prospects, emphasizing his faith in God and noting that the high voter turnout demonstrated the electorate's desire for change. "The people are tired of the governor who has failed to deliver since mounting the saddle," he asserted.
Minister Praises Peaceful Electoral Process
In stark contrast to Ukachukwu's allegations, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, described the election as peaceful and largely hitch-free. She cast her vote at about 12:25 p.m. at Polling Unit 001, Ward 2, located at St. Stephen's Anglican Church, Okpuno-Egbu, Umudim Nnewi in Nnewi North Local Government Area.
After visiting additional polling units including Uruagu Ward 2, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the electoral process and commended INEC for their performance. She specifically noted the engagement of citizens at Polling Unit 019 and other locations in Uruagu Ward 2, where she received widespread appreciation from residents.
Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged all contestants to accept the election results in good faith, emphasizing that the primary goal was electing a governor who would genuinely serve the interests of Anambra State and its people.
Mixed Perceptions Reflect Political Tensions
The divergence between Ukachukwu's claims of electoral malpractice and the Minister's assessment of a peaceful exercise illustrates the mixed perceptions surrounding the election. These contrasting narratives reflect both the political tensions inherent in a competitive governorship race and the commitment of Anambra voters to participate in the democratic process despite the allegations.
The election proceeded with significant voter turnout at various polling units, including the notable participation observed at Polling Unit 019 in Umudike, Agulu. As the counting process begins, the conflicting accounts of the day's events highlight the challenges in assessing electoral integrity amid heated political competition.
