(DDM) – Mr. Nicholas Ukachukwu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Anambra State, has alleged that vote buying is occurring during the ongoing governorship election.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Ukachukwu made the claim shortly after casting his ballot at his polling unit, expressing concerns that the electoral process may be compromised.
He stated that party operatives and political actors in some areas were distributing cash and other incentives to influence voters’ choices, undermining the credibility of the election.
Ukachukwu called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to intervene and ensure a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.
The APC candidate emphasized that vote buying is a serious violation of Nigeria’s Electoral Act and warned that it could disenfranchise voters and distort election outcomes.
Observers note that Anambra’s 2025 governorship race is highly competitive, with multiple parties fielding strong candidates, increasing the stakes for both political parties and voters.
Ukachukwu also stressed that the allegations were not limited to isolated units, claiming that some voters openly admitted receiving inducements in exchange for their votes.
Political analysts have warned that vote buying, if widespread, could significantly affect public confidence in the election and might lead to post-election disputes.
Civil society groups have repeatedly urged all political parties to adhere to electoral guidelines, emphasizing that inducements and bribery undermine democracy and the principle of citizen choice.
In previous elections, similar allegations of vote buying in Anambra and other states have attracted national attention and drawn calls for stricter enforcement of electoral laws.
Ukachukwu appealed to citizens to resist political inducements and vote based on competence, integrity, and the vision of candidates rather than material incentives.
The APC governorship candidate also urged INEC to deploy monitoring mechanisms and deploy personnel effectively to curb any further attempts at influencing voters illegally.
Analysts note that the ongoing election has already faced challenges, including BVAS malfunctions, logistical delays, and isolated instances of voter intimidation, further complicating efforts to ensure a credible process.
Ukachukwu’s allegations have reignited debates on electoral malpractice in Anambra, highlighting the need for swift action to protect voter rights and maintain the integrity of the democratic process.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to respond publicly to Ukachukwu’s claims, though officials have previously pledged to enforce rules against vote buying and electoral fraud.