The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Anambra State, Mr. Nicholas Ukachukwu, has raised concerns over alleged vote buying in the ongoing election across the state.
Ukachukwu made the allegation after casting his ballot at Polling Unit 012, Umudimala Amaihe Hall, Osumenyi, in the Nnewi South Local Government Area on Saturday.
According to him, reports reaching his campaign team indicated that widespread vote buying was taking place, particularly by members of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance.
“From what I have been hearing, there have been reports of hitches and security issues, but more worrisome is the level of vote buying,” he said.
“This has become the biggest menace that is threatening our democracy. A time will come when leaders who win elections through such means will be unable to deliver because the system is already compromised.”
He claimed that his polling agents in some locations witnessed acts of inducement at various voting centres.
“It is a collective treasury that has been looted and given back to people in order to secure votes. This is a bad practice and it is something everyone should condemn,” Ukachukwu stated.
The APC candidate also alleged that one of his party agents was assaulted at a polling unit in Utuh, also in Nnewi South, urging security agencies to investigate and respond appropriately.
Despite the reported irregularities, Ukachukwu expressed optimism that his party would emerge victorious.
“I believe in God that winning is still possible because the day is still young,” he said.
He, however, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for what he described as the timely deployment of election materials and personnel across the state.
“So far, there has been no report of loss of life or any major incident, and the early arrival of materials shows some improvements in the process,” he added.
