Soludo condemns vote buying in Nnewi South, praises INEC for peaceful polls

Soludo condemns vote buying in Nnewi South, praises INEC for peaceful polls

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has condemned reports of vote buying in some parts of Nnewi South Local Government Area, describing the practice as a major concern in an otherwise peaceful election exercise across the state.

Governor Soludo made the remarks after casting his vote at Polling Unit 002, Ofiyi Square, Umueze, Isuofia Ward 13, Aguata Local Government Area, around 1:20 p.m. on Saturday.

Addressing journalists shortly after voting, the governor commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ensuring a smooth and orderly process in most parts of the state.

“I have been getting numerous calls from across the state. I think it has been relatively peaceful and going smoothly. Though there are some glitches at polling units in Olumbanasa in Anambra West, where the BVAS reportedly did not work as expected, on average, the election is going well,” Soludo said.

READ ALSO:

• Shari’ah Council urges Tinubu to withdraw appointment of INEC Chairman, Prof. Amupitan
• Portable plans return to school to strengthen music business skills
• Nord subsidiary, Tavet, rolls out EV utility van, sedan, luxury car

He, however, expressed dismay over reports of massive vote buying in Nnewi South, alleging that some voters were offered as much as ₦15,000 to influence their choices.

“The only concern we have received is in one or two places in Nnewi South, where we understand that there has been massive vote buying. Some voters are being paid as much as ₦15,000,” he stated.

While expressing confidence in his party’s chances, Soludo stressed that the election should be decided through “one man, one vote.”

He also claimed that a certain political party was planning to manipulate results during collation, urging vigilance among voters and party agents.

“We have information that one political party’s strategy is to swap results during collation. They even told their polling agents not to write results properly or upload them on IReV to create room for manipulation,” Soludo alleged.

“But we have confidence in the system. Our people are vigilant, organized, and united. If the process works as designed, we have no doubt that we will win all 21 local government areas,” he added.

The governor commended INEC for the early commencement of voting and praised residents for their peaceful conduct during the exercise, assuring that everyone on the queue before the official closing time would be allowed to vote.

Soludo condemns vote buying in Nnewi South, praises INEC for peaceful polls