The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in the November 8 Anambra election, John Nwosu, has rejected the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Nwosu described the poll as a “ruse” and a total subversion of the people’s will, alleging widespread vote buying and financial inducement across polling units.

Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was declared winner with 422,664 votes, defeating Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 99,445 votes. Nwosu trailed with 8,208 votes, according to INEC’s returning officer, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin.

However, Nwosu insisted that “the people of Anambra did not speak.” He claimed the process was hijacked by politicians who bought votes with cash ranging from ₦3,000 to ₦20,000 per voter.

“In almost every polling unit, voters were openly induced with cash. The election turned into a marketplace instead of a democratic contest,” Nwosu said.

He described the exercise as a national embarrassment, warning that Nigeria’s democracy was losing its moral foundation.

“This was a win bought with cash and a loss for democracy,” he stated.

“True victory is measured by the integrity of the process, not just the result.”

Nwosu accused electoral and security institutions of failing to protect the sanctity of the ballot. He said the system “lost the moral right to declare winners” after allowing corruption to dominate the process.

“When votes are bought, the future is sold,” he said.

“What we witnessed was not the people’s choice but the triumph of greed over justice and fairness.”

Despite his loss, Nwosu expressed gratitude to ADC members and campaign supporters, commending them for resisting intimidation and inducement. He vowed to continue advocating for a transparent political culture and a redefined Anambra anchored on values and accountability.

Tinubu Congratulates Soludo

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu congratulated Governor Charles Soludo on his re-election, describing it as “an affirmation of visionary leadership and public confidence.”

In a statement issued Sunday in Abuja, Tinubu said Soludo’s victory was a milestone in Anambra’s political history, making him the third governor to secure a second term.

“Professor Soludo’s re-election reflects his disciplined and knowledge-driven approach to governance,” Tinubu said.

“He has shown that academic principles can drive effective leadership through transparency and prudent management.”

The President also commended INEC, security agencies, and the people of Anambra for conducting a peaceful election.

Tinubu lauded the new INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, for what he described as a credible and transparent process, urging the commission to sustain and improve the standard in future polls.

He urged Soludo to be magnanimous in victory, build bridges across party lines, and continue his partnership with the federal government to deliver development to Anambra.

“Under Soludo, the state continues to live up to its motto  the Light of the Nation,” Tinubu said.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested three people for allegedly engaging in vote buying during the Anambra State governorship election held on Saturday.

The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a post shared on its official Facebook page. The arrests came after African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate Chioma Ifemeludike raised the alarm over widespread vote buying in parts of the state.

Ifemeludike had alleged that some voters sold their votes for as low as ₦3,000 to ₦5,000, claiming the act was openly supervised by unidentified political agents. Her claims added to growing concerns over electoral malpractice and voter inducement.

The EFCC confirmed that its operatives arrested the suspects in different locations across the state.

“Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested three suspected vote buyers in various parts of Anambra,” the agency said.

The statement identified the suspects as Emeka Ilokasia, arrested at Ward 2, Njikoka Local Government Area; Nwachukwu Loretta, picked up at Ward 2 (008), Awkuzu in Oyi LGA; and Emuka Chuwudi, arrested at Umunachi Village in Dunukofia LGA.

All the suspects were allegedly caught while participating in the governorship election held on November 8, 2025.

A photo released by the EFCC showed one of the suspects being questioned by operatives during the exercise. The agency said investigations were ongoing and confirmed that the suspects would be charged to court once preliminary inquiries are concluded.

The development followed a wave of reports alleging that several political parties attempted to influence voters through cash inducements. Election observers also noted incidents of voter intimidation and logistical delays in some polling units.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that voting took place across most areas despite technical glitches and minor disruptions.

The EFCC said it remains committed to ensuring credible elections by tackling all forms of electoral fraud and voter manipulation.

In a shocking twist in the ongoing Anambra State governorship election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has defeated the Labour Party (LP) at the polling unit of former Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The result was announced around 3 PM at Polling Unit 019, Agulu Ward 11, Anaocha Local Government Area  the very unit where Obi had cast his vote. Official figures from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) show that APC candidate Nicholas Ukachukwu scored 73 votes, while the LP’s George Moghalu polled 57 votes.

The ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) trailed with 38 votes.

Obi’s loss at his hometown polling unit has sent shockwaves across political circles.

Agulu has historically been a Labour Party stronghold, and Obi won over 95% of votes across Anambra during the 2023 presidential election, sweeping nearly every polling unit in the state.

Despite Obi’s active campaign efforts and his personal endorsement of the LP candidate ahead of Saturday’s election, the results suggest a possible shift in voter sentiment.

Analysts point to the emerging strength of rival parties, particularly the APC, even in areas previously considered untouchable by opposition forces.

Political observers are now closely watching other polling units for similar trends, as the Anambra election continues to unfold amid allegations of vote buying and reports of election-related violence.