Daniel Otera
Two governorship candidates in the Anambra State election have condemned what they described as the criminal practice of vote buying, warning that the act threatens the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process.
Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chioma Ifemeludike of the African Action Congress (AAC) separately raised the alarm over widespread voter inducement with cash during Saturday’s poll.
Ukachukwu, who voted at Polling Unit 012, Osumenyi Ward 2, Umudiala Village, Nnewi South Local Government Area at approximately 11:38 a.m., did not mince words in his criticism of parties allegedly distributing money to influence voters.
“This is really criminal. It is totally absurd and doesn’t make any sense. If a party claims to have all the popularity, why then are they buying votes?” he said shortly after casting his ballot.
The APC candidate argued that vote buying not only pollutes the political system but diverts resources that could have been channelled towards environmental and human development. He expressed particular concern about elderly voters being targeted, describing it as exploitation of their vulnerability and ignorance.
“Such actions undermine citizens’ civil responsibility and the credibility of elections,” Ukachukwu added, calling for stronger intervention by security and electoral officials.
Ifemeludike echoed similar concerns, emphasising that the practice erodes public trust in the electoral process and strikes at the heart of democratic principles.
The AAC candidate expressed dismay that despite assurances from the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies, vote buying remained prevalent in several polling units across the state.
Both candidates have called for stricter monitoring and enforcement by electoral and security authorities to ensure the election meets the standards of fairness and credibility expected by Anambra residents.
The allegations of vote buying come amid heightened expectations for a transparent electoral process in the keenly contested governorship race, with observers and civil society organisations deployed across the 21 local government areas of the state.