Soludo faces allegations of vote-buying over N1m cash-for-votes pledge

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has come under fire following his controversial pledge to reward wards that deliver victories for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the upcoming November 8 governorship election.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area on Saturday, Soludo promised ₦1 million to every ward won by APGA, with additional cash prizes of ₦5 million, ₦3 million, and ₦2 million for the top three performing wards.

“When we were campaigning for the Senate, we knew we were going to win every ward in the South Senatorial Zone, but we still had some incentives,” Soludo said. “Any ward that APGA won received ₦1m, and we won all the wards in Orumba South. For November 8, any ward that wins again will receive ₦1m, while the first three performing wards will get ₦5m, ₦2m, and ₦1m, respectively.”

Opposition Parties Cry Foul

The governor’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups, who described the move as blatant vote-buying and a violation of the Electoral Act.

Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, APC’s National Vice Chairman (South-East), accused Soludo of abusing his office. “This is vote-buying, plain and simple. He’s coercing communities to commit their votes through their leaders. We will petition INEC, EFCC, and the police,” he said.

ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, called it “a public confession of vote-buying,” while Labour Party’s Obiora Ifoh said the governor was “weaponizing poverty” to manipulate voters.

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Former PDP Zonal Organizing Secretary, Mike Ahumibe, warned that the monetary incentive undermines electoral integrity. “Once money is involved, it’s no longer free and fair,” he said.

CSOs Demand Action

Civil society organizations also condemned the governor’s comments. Debo Adeniran, Executive Director of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, described the pledge as “reprehensible” and urged INEC to take disciplinary action.

“This is electoral indiscipline and a criminal act. His immunity doesn’t cover electoral offenses,” Adeniran said.

Alhaji Yabagi Sani, former IPAC Chairman, warned that the move could erode public trust in the democratic process. “He’s using public funds to gain advantage. That’s a dangerous precedent,” he said.

YIAGA Africa’s Media and Communication Officer, Jennifer Dafwat, said the governor’s remarks reflect a broader problem in Nigeria’s politics. “Vote-buying isn’t limited to election day. Incentives like this sway voters long before ballots are cast,” she said.

Anambra Govt Denies Allegations

Reacting to the backlash, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, dismissed the accusations, describing the governor’s promise as a motivational gesture.

“Motivating supporters is not vote-buying. A vote must be priced and bought for it to qualify as such. This is extrinsic motivation, not electoral malpractice,” Mefor argued.

With over 2.8 million registered voters and 16 political parties in the race, the November 8 poll is expected to be a litmus test for Nigeria’s democratic resilience. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has reiterated the commission’s commitment to a free and fair process.

Soludo faces allegations of vote-buying over N1m cash-for-votes pledge