The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected claims of widespread vote-buying during Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State, describing the allegations as baseless and unsupported by evidence.
The commission’s response follows accusations by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Chukwuma Soludo, and the Labour Party candidate, George Moghalu, as well as the African Action Congress candidate, Chioma Ifemeludike, who alleged that voters in some polling units sold their ballots for between ₦3,000 and ₦5,000. The incidents were said to have occurred in Nnewi South and other areas under the supervision of unidentified agents.
However, speaking on Channels Television’s News at 10 on Saturday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra State, Queen Agwu, stated that the commission had not received any verified report to confirm the claims.
“Vote-buying is a serious electoral offence. If anyone has credible information, they should provide facts and figures. You cannot go on national television to make allegations without substantiating them,” Agwu said.
She noted that INEC monitored the election from its situation room throughout the day and did not receive any report indicating confirmed cases of inducement. “From the situation room, there was no report of material delays and no confirmed case of vote-buying. None of our officials or accredited observers reported such incidents. So, to me, it remains a rumour, and rumours do not stand without proof,” she added.
While acknowledging reports of pressure and tension in some locations, the REC maintained that logistical arrangements and security deployment were largely effective. She also said it was premature to assess voter turnout until results from polling units were fully collated.
“We will determine turnout based on the figures collated. But from what we observed earlier in the day, there was significant participation,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the arrest of three individuals suspected of engaging in vote-buying during the election. The suspects, identified as Emeka Ilokasia (Njikoka LGA), Nwachukwu Loretta (Oyi LGA), and Emuka Chuwudi (Dunukofia LGA), are expected to be prosecuted after the conclusion of investigations.
