Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has reacted to reports of massive vote buying in the ongoing governorship election in the state, expressing confidence in securing victory even if the alleged perpetrators “share hundred thousand naira” to each voter.
Soludo, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), made the remarks shortly after casting his vote at Polling Unit 002, Umuezeadigo Street, in his hometown, Isuofia community, Aguata local government area.
Speaking to journalists, the governor said he had been receiving reports from across the state, describing the election as largely peaceful, though with “some glitches” in a few areas.
“Today is the election and I’ve been getting calls from all around the state. It’s been relatively peaceful, with some glitches here and there. I received reports from Orumba that the BVAS were not working as they were supposed to, but on the average, things are going well,” Soludo said.
However, the governor alleged that there was massive vote buying in Nnewi South local government area, accusing one of the candidates of desperation and monetary inducement of voters.
“The reports we’ve received are from Nnewi South, where there is massive vote buying by a candidate from that local government.
He’s desperate to win there, so he’s sharing ₦15,000 to voters,” Soludo claimed.
“But I said, even if he is sharing ₦100,000, never mind — let the people just vote, then count the votes. We are very convinced that on the basis of one man, one vote, we are going to win with a landslide. There’s no question about that.”
Soludo also commended voters for turning out early and urged those still waiting to remain patient, noting that anyone already at a polling unit before 2:30p.m. must be allowed to vote in line with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The rule is that once you are in the polling unit before 2:30pm, you must vote. So, all these people here will definitely vote,” he assured.
The governor’s confidence came amid growing reports of vote buying across several local government areas, including Nnewi North, Aguata, and Onitsha South, where voters were allegedly offered cash in exchange for ballots.
Voting continued across Anambra’s 21 local government areas under heavy security presence, with INEC officials assuring the public that all technical challenges would be promptly addressed.
