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By Oscar Okhifo
Vote buying has once again cast a shadow over Anambra State’s governorship election, a practice so now entrenched, that it seems incurable.
As polling winds down, the All Progressives Congress, other political parties, and observers have raised alarms over widespread inducement and intimidation, warning that exchanging cash for votes threatens both the integrity of the election and public trust in democracy.
APC candidate Nicholas Ukachukwu, who voted in Nnewi South, said, “Voters are being offered money to sell their votes, and some of our polling agents have been harassed. Giving up your vote in exchange for cash is giving up your voice in this election.”
Incumbent governor and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate Chukwuma Soludo described voting at his unit in Isuofia as smooth and well-organized, though he noted rival parties attempting to influence voters with cash.
He added that a certain political party had written the election’s results in advance, but assured it would not work because his agents were watching closely.
Voter apathy was evident in several communities, with youths spotted playing football instead of voting.
Observers also reported ongoing vote-buying in some polling units.
Anambra APC publicity secretary Valentine Iluobi, speaking after voting at Mbala-Ohafia Polling Unit 001 in Nimo, Njikoka LGA, said, “As I speak to you now, there is massive vote buying at my unit and other places. Only APC is not buying votes. APGA, LP, and others are all involved. Please INEC and the security agencies should take note and act accordingly.”
John Chuma Nwosu, African Democratic Congress candidate, said, “Vote buying is everywhere. My agent and supporters even came to me to bring money so we can buy votes too. They told me we would lose even my polling unit if we fail to join in buying votes. I dismissed the suggestion and told them it’s better I lose.”
Election observer Mma Odi described the situation as worrying. “We saw party agents in Nnewi South openly buying votes without any challenge. It is not a one-party affair,” she said.
On voter apathy, Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Youths Initiative for Advancing Growth and Advancement (YIAGA Africa), blamed political parties for failing to educate their members. “Coming out for rallies is not enough. Parties need to do more sensitization. It is their duty,” he said.
With roughly 2.8 million registered voters across 21 local government areas, observers and security agencies are closely monitoring the election, as the APC urges swift action to ensure a free and fair process.