Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has raised concerns over alleged vote buying in parts of Nnewi South Local Government Area during Saturday’s governorship election.
Soludo, who cast his vote at Polling Unit 002, Ofiyi Square, Umueze Village in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area, at about 1:20 p.m., described the electoral process as largely peaceful and orderly.
He, however, noted reports of technical glitches and financial inducement of voters in some locations.
“I have been receiving numerous calls from across the state. Overall, the process has been relatively peaceful and going smoothly,” the governor told journalists after voting.
“There were a few issues, especially with the BVAS machines in parts of Olumbanasa, Anambra West, where the devices did not function properly. But on the whole, things are working.”
Soludo expressed worry about alleged widespread vote buying in Nnewi South, where some voters were reportedly offered up to N15,000 to influence their decisions at the polls.
“Our major concern is in one or two areas in Nnewi South where we understand there has been massive vote buying. Some voters are being paid as much as N15,000,” he stated.
The governor also accused an unnamed political party of plotting to doctor results during the collation stage.
“We have credible information that one political party is planning to manipulate results during collation. They instructed their agents not to properly record results or upload them on IReV to create loopholes for manipulation,” Soludo alleged.
Despite the concerns, he expressed strong confidence in his party’s chances, insisting that the election would reflect the will of the people.
“We will follow the process from the polling units to the wards and local governments. If the system works as designed, we have no doubt that we will win all 21 local government areas,” he said.
Soludo commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the early commencement of voting and praised voters for conducting themselves peacefully.
He also assured that anyone already on the queue before the official closing time of 2:30 p.m. would be allowed to cast their vote.
“We appreciate the people for turning out peacefully. Our democracy is strengthened when citizens participate without fear or inducement,” he added.
