APC deputy governorship candidate Senator Uche Ekwunife has accused APGA of widespread vote buying in Anambra.
She warned that such actions undermine democracy and called for stricter enforcement by INEC.
The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the ongoing Anambra governorship election, Senator Uche Ekwunife, has accused the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) of engaging in massive vote buying across the state.
Speaking after voting at Polling Unit 001, Nri, in Anaocha Local Government Area, Ekwunife expressed concern that despite repeated warnings by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, money was allegedly being used to influence voters.
She alleged that the APGA candidate and incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, had released millions of naira to different polling units to sway voters’ decisions. Ekwunife described the situation as a serious threat to the credibility of the election and a major setback for Nigeria’s democratic system.
“It is sad that rather than allow voters to make free choices, some politicians prefer to buy votes. This monetization of politics is destroying the foundation of democracy and must be stopped if we truly want good governance,” she stated.
The APC deputy candidate, who arrived at her polling unit around 11:34 a.m., noted that several voters were being pressured to compromise their choices because of financial inducements. She condemned such practices, saying they deny citizens the chance to elect leaders based on competence and integrity.
Despite her concerns, Ekwunife commended the large turnout of voters across the state, describing it as a positive sign that residents are eager for accountability and change. She expressed confidence that the APC would win the election, citing the growing dissatisfaction among voters over what she described as “poor governance and economic hardship” under the current administration.
Ekwunife also called on INEC and security agencies to remain neutral and ensure that the election reflects the genuine will of the people, not the influence of money or intimidation.
