The Anambra State Government has dismissed allegations of vote-buying related to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s recent cash reward promises to party members actively canvassing support ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election.
State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, clarified that Soludo’s assurances of financial incentives were meant solely for party agents working hard to mobilize voters, not direct payments to voters themselves. He emphasized that the rewards are performance-based incentives to motivate party workers, categorically rejecting vote-buying accusations as misrepresentations fueled by opposition parties.
Dr. Mefor maintained that the governor’s statements were taken out of context and accused critics of deliberate mischief aimed at undermining the electoral process. Similarly, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), a major political party in Anambra, stated that such incentives aimed to encourage voter participation and healthy competition rather than corrupt electoral behavior.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has strongly warned against vote-buying in Anambra, assuring that more than 24,000 personnel will be deployed across 5,700 polling units to ensure a free, fair, and credible election. INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) has vowed that any attempts to induce voters illegally will be met with strict legal consequences.
The commission has extended the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection deadline to November 2 to enable maximum voter participation. INEC also commended security agencies for their cooperation in ensuring peace and order during the elections.
As the election approaches, the government and electoral authorities continue urging all stakeholders to respect the rule of law and uphold democratic principles for a transparent poll.