APC Raises Alarm Over Massive Vote Buying in Anambra Governorship Election
The deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Anambra State, Senator Uche Ekwunife, has raised serious concerns about what she describes as widespread vote buying allegedly orchestrated by the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance.
Speaking shortly after casting her vote at Polling Unit 001 in Nri, Anaocha local government area, Ekwunife revealed that credible intelligence from field reports indicated disturbing electoral malpractice.
₦5 Million Allegedly Distributed Per Polling Unit
According to Senator Ekwunife, the APGA governorship candidate, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, allegedly distributed as much as ₦5 million to each polling unit to influence voters in the ongoing Anambra State governorship election.
The APC chieftain expressed deep concern that vote buying appeared to be occurring on a massive scale throughout the state, despite repeated warnings from the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies against such electoral malpractices.
"It is disheartening that instead of allowing the people to freely choose their leaders, some political actors have chosen to corrupt the process with money," Ekwunife stated while addressing journalists.
Dangerous Setback for Nigerian Democracy
Ekwunife described the development as a dangerous setback to Nigeria's democratic process and a clear betrayal of the people's will. She emphasized that this kind of monetization of democracy must stop if Nigeria truly wants progress in Anambra State and the nation at large.
The allegations come amid intense competition in the Anambra governorship election, with various political parties vying for control of the state. The incident highlights the continuing challenge of electoral integrity in Nigeria's political landscape.
Security agencies and INEC officials have yet to officially respond to these specific allegations, but the claims have already generated significant discussion among voters and political observers across the state.
