(DDM) – The recent Anambra State governorship election, held last Saturday, has once again highlighted Nigeria’s persistent struggle with electoral integrity.

Reports of widespread vote-buying, financial inducements, and low voter turnout dominated the narrative of the contest.

Observers noted that these irregularities cast a shadow over the credibility of the process.

Amid this tense electoral environment, the conduct of prominent Labour Party figures, Peter Obi and Dr. George Moghalu, sparked debate across social media and political circles.

Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, is widely recognized for his association with the “Obidient Movement” and reformist ideals.

He had officially launched the Labour Party’s campaign, endorsing George Moghalu as a candidate committed to transparency and integrity.

During election day, multiple reports emerged alleging that party agents from various factions distributed cash sums ranging from ₦5,000 to ₦30,000 per vote at polling units.

These actions occurred despite repeated warnings from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and law enforcement authorities.

The cash distributions triggered arguments, tensions, and, in some instances, reported violence at select polling centres.

In a social media discussion reflecting public frustration with Nigerian elections, commentators noted that neither Peter Obi nor George Moghalu participated in or condoned these practices in their polling units.

One observer remarked, “Nothing stops Peter Obi and George Moghalu from buying votes in their polling units to ensure they win it by all means.”

This comment underscored the perception that both leaders made a deliberate choice to uphold moral standards despite systemic pressure.

Both men reportedly avoided involvement in the transactional activities that marred the wider election-day experience.

George Moghalu, who failed to secure victory in his own polling unit, publicly attributed his loss to his refusal to engage in money politics.

His statement reinforced his campaign pledge to uphold fairness, transparency, and ethical conduct.

Peter Obi, whose polling unit was reportedly won by a rival party, maintained a similar distance from vote-buying practices.

Their restraint occurred against the backdrop of widespread voter apathy and cynicism, which experts say intensifies the impact of financial inducements.

Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes at Yiaga Africa, explained that low turnout amplifies the effectiveness of vote-buying and entrenches a culture where electoral legitimacy is frequently purchased.

Many members of the electorate interpreted Obi’s and Moghalu’s actions as a conscious refusal to descend into the pervasive lawlessness of Nigeria’s electoral system.

This principled abstention has divided public opinion.

Some praise the leaders for modeling ethical behavior, while others question whether morality alone can overcome entrenched political realities.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the decisions of Obi and Moghalu may serve as a benchmark for what Nigerians expect from their political leaders.

Observers note that their conduct could either mark a turning point in the ongoing struggle between idealism and expediency or become merely another chapter in Nigeria’s history of contested elections.

The Anambra governorship election thus remains a critical case study in understanding the complex interplay between ethics, voter behavior, and political pragmatism in Nigerian democracy.

(DDM) – Labour Party candidate in the recent Anambra State governorship election, George Moghalu, has explained why he lost in his own polling unit.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Moghalu made the revelation while speaking on Sunday Politics, a programme on Channels Television monitored by Daily Post.

He attributed his defeat to widespread vote-buying allegedly sponsored by rival political parties during the election.

According to Moghalu, he refused to participate in the illegal practice because he could not afford the large sums of money being distributed by other candidates.

He said his commitment to running a clean and transparent campaign made it impossible for him to match the spending power of those involved in the illicit activity.

The Labour Party candidate stated that the financial hardship faced by many voters made them vulnerable to monetary inducement.

Moghalu lamented that most of the electorate in his polling unit succumbed to the temptation of money due to their poor economic conditions.

“Yes, because I couldn’t afford how much that was being paid,” he explained.

“I couldn’t pay, and I refused to pay. I refused to get involved,” he added.

He described the election as one where money, not merit, determined the outcome in several polling units across the state.

Moghalu accused the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) of being the main culprit behind the alleged vote-buying.

He claimed that several individuals caught offering money to voters were wearing APGA identification tags during the election.

“Some of them are on record as having been seen purchasing votes,” he stated.

He further alleged that a serving commissioner in Anambra State was caught on camera buying votes in his own constituency.

According to him, this development raises serious concerns about the integrity and transparency of the entire electoral process.

Moghalu said that despite his party’s commitment to democratic principles, the influence of money undermined the will of the people.

He emphasized that the monetization of politics remains one of the biggest threats to credible elections in Nigeria.

The Labour Party candidate urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute individuals found guilty of electoral malpractice.

He expressed disappointment that such acts continue to define elections in Anambra and other parts of the country.

Moghalu stressed that unless the culture of vote-buying is tackled, genuine candidates who rely on their credibility and policies will always be at a disadvantage.

He maintained that democracy can only thrive when voters are allowed to freely choose their leaders without financial inducement.

The incident has sparked renewed debate about the growing role of money in Nigerian politics and the urgent need for electoral reforms.

Observers note that despite the introduction of technologies like BVAS and IReV, the scourge of vote-buying continues to distort the credibility of elections.

Moghalu’s revelation adds to the chorus of voices calling for stronger institutions and enforcement mechanisms to protect the sanctity of the ballot.

The candidates of Nigeria’s major political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC), have publicly rejected the results of the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election.

Diaspora Digital Media reported that Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was declared the winner with 422,664 votes by Professor Edogah Omoregie, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin and INEC Returning Officer.

APC’s Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu came second with 99,445 votes, while ADC’s John Nwosu scored 8,208 votes, and LP’s Dr George Moghalu also disputed the outcome.

Prince Ukachukwu described the election as “marred with violence and vote buying.” He recounted incidents of attacks on party supporters, including the burning of a female supporter’s home in Anambra East Local Government Area. Despite the challenges, he noted that no deaths occurred among his supporters during the polls.

John Nwosu of the ADC described the election as a “national embarrassment,” alleging widespread financial inducement at polling units. Nwosu claimed that cash ranging from N3,000 to N20,000 was openly distributed, undermining the integrity of the process. He stressed that true victory is judged by fairness, not just votes, and stated that the election failed to reflect the people’s will.

Dr George Moghalu of the LP also expressed dissatisfaction, citing vote buying, underage voting, and irregularities with ballot papers. He reported that some minors were seen with voter cards, and some LP candidates were left off ballots in certain polling units. Moghalu noted that a comprehensive review of election reports is ongoing before deciding on further action.

The ADC accused INEC officials of collusion, claiming that security operatives and electoral officers failed to prevent voter inducement. The party described the election as a “cash-drenched spectacle” and warned that continued impunity for such offenses could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu congratulated Governor Soludo, describing the victory as proof of his visionary leadership. Tinubu commended INEC, security agencies, and the people of Anambra for the peaceful conduct of the election. He urged Governor Soludo to collaborate with opposition candidates and maintain transparency in governance.

Governor Soludo, responding to his victory, extended a hand of fellowship to his opponents. He thanked INEC for conducting a credible election and dedicated his win to the people of Anambra. Soludo highlighted that voter participation rose to 22%, with 73% of votes cast in his favor, marking historic engagement.

Civil society group SERAP has also urged INEC to refer allegations of vote buying and undue influence to anti-corruption agencies. The organization emphasized that prosecuting offenders is critical to protecting electoral integrity and restoring public confidence.

The November 2025 Anambra governorship election remains contentious, with major parties rejecting the declared outcome. Observers note that addressing reported irregularities is crucial to sustaining democratic credibility in the state.