The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship, Nicholas Ukachukwu, has raised concerns over alleged vote buying and intimidation of his party’s agents in the ongoing 2025 Anambra governorship election on Saturday.
Ukachukwu, who cast his vote at Polling Unit 012, Osumenyi Ward 2, described the developments as a serious threat to democracy.
“If there’s no seller, there cannot be a buyer. Some people have chosen to sell their conscience, which is even worse than those buying votes. When you give up your right for money, you lose your voice as a citizen. You can’t cry later—society must be blamed for encouraging this,” he said after voting.
Speaking further about reports of alleged intimidation, Ukachukwu said one of his agents had been assaulted during the exercise.
“There have been incidents where people are being beaten up. It’s a form of bullying, and though it may seem right to some today, power changes hands. God gives power to whomever He chooses,” he added.
When asked about the situation in Ihiala, a known flashpoint, Ukachukwu said there had been no major violence or casualties so far.
“So far, there’s been no report of any death or serious unrest. There are always tensions during elections, but for now, it’s largely calm,” he said.
LEADERSHIP Rprecalls that INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, urged strict compliance with electoral guidelines, emphasizing that “no excuses for failure will be accepted.”
The Commissioner of Police for the election, Abayomi Shogunle, assured residents of adequate security, confirming that threats in high-risk areas like Ihiala had been neutralised.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 2,802,790 registered voters were expected to cast ballots across 5,718 polling units in the state. The election features 16 candidates across three senatorial districts. Major contenders include Governor Chukwuma Soludo (APGA), Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC), Paul Chukwuma (YPP), George Moghalu (LP), and Jude Ezenwafor (PDP).
