The All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised a serious alarm over widespread vote-buying during the 2025 Anambra State governorship election. The party accused rival parties, notably APGA and the Labour Party, of engaging in the practice.
Dr. Valentine Iluobi, APC’s State Publicity Secretary, spoke to journalists after casting his vote at Mbala-Okafia polling units 001 and 002 in Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area. Iluobi claimed that vote-buying was rampant not just at his polling unit but across the state.
“As I speak, vote buying is ongoing at my polling unit and others across Anambra. Parties involved include APGA and the Labour Party, excluding APC. INEC and security agencies must take note and act,” he warned.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over the integrity of the electoral process.
Earlier, former Governor of Anambra State and ex-Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, expressed deep concern about the escalating vote-buying incidents. Speaking at Umudim Akasi, Agulu Ward 2, Polling Unit 008, Obi highlighted the damaging consequences for voters and the state.
“Voters are selling their ballots for ₦20,000 to ₦30,000. A young unemployed man who sells his vote sacrifices his education, healthcare, and job prospects. By selling his vote, he is selling his future,” Obi said.
The African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate, Ifemelu “Ifemeludike” Chioma, also condemned the practice. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), she revealed that some voters were exchanging their votes for as little as ₦5,000. She called for harsh penalties for both the buyers and sellers.
“Vote-buying is a shameful stain on our democracy. Security agencies and INEC must act immediately. Anyone paying or selling votes should face life imprisonment. This act destroys accountability and the society we live in,” Ifemeludike stated.
The public outcry over vote-buying highlights the persistent threat to Nigeria’s democratic process.
Observers fear that without decisive action from electoral and security bodies, the integrity of the Anambra election and future elections may be severely compromised.
As Anambra voters continue to head to polling units, the call from APC, civil society, and concerned citizens is clear: stop vote-buying or face strict legal consequences. The nation watches closely, hoping that free and fair elections prevail over financial inducements.