Governor Soludo Votes Amid Election Concerns
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and his wife, Nonye Soludo, participated in the ongoing Anambra State gubernatorial election on Saturday, October 8, casting their ballots at approximately 1:20 p.m. The voting took place at their designated polling unit in Isuofia, located within Aguata Local Government Area.
Orderly Process Marred by Vote-Buying Allegations
While describing the electoral process as orderly and well-organized, Governor Soludo immediately raised concerns about potential vote-buying activities. The governor, who arrived at the polling center accompanied by his wife and security personnel, was observed carefully retrieving his voter's card from a secured envelope before proceeding to cast his ballot.
Soludo specifically commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ensuring the early deployment of electoral materials and personnel to various polling units across the state. "The process here has been smooth and well-organised. I encourage every eligible voter to come out and exercise their civic duty. This election is about our collective future," Soludo told journalists covering the election.
Serious Allegations of Electoral Malpractice
However, the governor expressed deep concern about reports indicating that vote-buying was occurring at his polling unit and in other parts of Anambra State. He described this development as a significant threat to the credibility of the entire electoral process.
Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Governor Soludo revealed: "We have credible information that a candidate from one of the political parties is engaging in vote buying, attempting to influence voters right here at my polling unit."
The governor urgently called on security agencies and INEC officials to take immediate action to address the situation and ensure that those involved in such practices face legal consequences. "We must ensure this election remains free, fair, and credible. Vote buying undermines democracy and the will of the people," he emphasized.
Other Political Leaders Echo Concerns
Earlier in the day, other prominent political figures had voiced similar concerns about electoral malpractice. The Labour Party's presidential candidate from the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, and the party's current governorship candidate, George Moghalu, had both raised alarms about widespread vote-buying in several Anambra communities.
According to these candidates, monetary inducements ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦15,000 were reportedly being offered to voters in exchange for their votes. Moghalu had lamented earlier in the day: "Poverty was weaponised for massive vote buying. If you monetise your process and weaponise poverty, what is free about the election?"
Calls for Vigilance and Electoral Integrity
As voting continued across Anambra State, there were renewed calls from political leaders, election observers, and civil society organizations for the strict enforcement of electoral laws to prevent malpractices.
Governor Soludo reiterated his appeal for voters to remain calm and vigilant, urging them not to succumb to financial inducement or intimidation of any kind. "Our democracy can only grow when our choices are made freely and not bought with money. I urge everyone to vote their conscience," the governor stated emphatically.
The situation in Anambra State continues to develop as electoral officials work to complete the voting process and begin the counting of ballots across the state's various local government areas.
