INEC Denies Allegations of Vote-Buying in Anambra State Election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refuted claims of widespread vote-buying during the recent governorship election in Anambra State, asserting that no credible evidence has been presented to substantiate these allegations. The statement comes in response to accusations from several candidates who claimed that voters were being paid to cast their ballots.
Claims of Vote-Buying by Candidates
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for governor, Chukwuma Soludo, alleged that instances of vote-buying were observed in some polling units within the Nnewi South Local Government Area. Similarly, the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate, George Moghalu, and his African Action Congress (AAC) counterpart, Chioma Ifemeludike, reported that voters were selling their votes for amounts ranging between ₦3,000 and ₦5,000, allegedly under the supervision of unidentified agents.
However, in a statement on Channels Television’s News at 10, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Anambra State, Queen Agwu, dismissed these claims as unsubstantiated. She urged anyone with evidence to come forward, emphasizing that allegations must be backed by facts and figures.
Addressing the Allegations
Agwu stated, “When the two strongest candidates went to vote, they mentioned vote-buying. But, as I stated during voter education, anyone with such information should provide facts and figures. Vote-buying is a very serious offence and a legislative matter. If you want to accuse someone, give us evidence. You can’t just go on television and say there’s vote-buying everywhere without mentioning one place.”
Despite acknowledging reports of logistical challenges and intimidation in certain areas, the Electoral Commission confirmed that no verified cases of vote-buying were reported to its situation room throughout the election process.
“For those of us in the situation room, I didn’t go to the field. I was monitoring all through, and there was no report of delay in material distribution or any confirmed case of vote-buying,” she said.
Observers and Staff Confirm No Evidence
Agwu further noted that neither INEC officials nor accredited observers—local or international—reported any substantiated cases of inducement. “None of our staff or observers told me they saw any area where there was vote-buying. So, to me, it’s a rumour, and rumours don’t thrive with me,” she declared.
Regarding voter turnout, the REC emphasized that it was too early to draw conclusions until the results were fully collated. “I cannot talk about low voter turnout when the results are not fully collated. We’ll calculate turnout based on the figures on the ground. From what we saw in the situation room, there was a heavy turnout in the early hours,” she explained.
Praise for Election Conduct
Agwu commended the overall conduct of the election, highlighting the effectiveness of INEC’s logistics and security deployment. “It was a very good outing. INEC deployed early in nearly all polling units. There was adequate security, the BVAS worked well, and voters turned out en masse,” she said.
Arrests of Suspected Vote Buyers
Earlier reports by PUNCH Online indicated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the arrest of three individuals suspected of vote-buying in different parts of the state. The suspects were identified as Emeka Ilokasia from Njikoka LGA, Nwachukwu Loretta from Oyi LGA, and Emuka Chuwudi from Dunukofia LGA. According to the EFCC, all three were arrested during the election and will face prosecution after investigations.