A former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticized what he described as massive vote-buying in the Saturday governorship election.
Obi voted at Polling Unit 019, Umudim Akasi Agulu 2, Ward 8, on Saturday, joining residents to exercise their civic rights.
Speaking to journalists after voting, he said: “Unfortunately, those who are the victims of bad governance seem to be the ones fuelling it. I have moved around, listened, and observed what’s happening. What you see predominantly is vote buying, on a scale of N30,000, N20,000, N15,000.
“The question I ask is this: a young person who is unemployed, if he sells his vote for N30,000, what will he be paid next month when there’s no election?”
The former governor condemned vote buying, warning that voters who sell their conscience risk losing vital public services.
“By selling your vote, you’re selling away your schools, your hospitals, your jobs; you’re selling away your future. That is what is very worrisome. In other countries, even in West African nations close to us, where I’ve observed elections, I didn’t see such practices. So, for journalists, you must cooperate; this must be stopped,” he said.
Asked about his party’s (Labour Party) governorship candidate, George Moghalu, the former governor maintained a neutral stance, noting that his focus is on national issues rather than State politics.
“For me, yes, I am a member of the Labour Party and I support our candidate. But quite frankly, all the persons involved in this election are my brothers and sisters.
“I’m not on the ballot; I’ve been a governor 13 years ago. I’m now strictly in the ‘Champions League’ of Nigerian politics, contesting to be President of Nigeria,” he said.
The former governor urged leaders to prioritise service delivery, calling for investment in healthcare, education, and nursing schools.
“For those contesting today, I wish them well. Whoever wins should serve the people. Nigeria needs service now. We must pull our people out of poverty. Our people need to know that it’s no longer about grandstanding.
“We must build hospitals, which is why we’re supporting nursing schools, to produce the manpower required for every village to have at least a primary healthcare centre where people can go for treatment,” he said.
On his part, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, also alleged vote-buying and intimidation of his party’s agents in the election.
Ukachukwu, who voted at his polling unit in Osumenyi Ward 2, Polling Unit 012, described the development as a threat to democracy.
“If there’s no seller, there cannot be a buyer. Some people have chosen to sell their conscience, which is even worse than those buying votes. When you give up your right for money, you lose your voice as a citizen. You can’t cry later, society must be blamed for encouraging this,” the APC candidate said after casting his vote.
Speaking further on reports of intimidation, Ukachukwu said one of his agents had been assaulted during the voting exercise.
“There have been incidents where people are being beaten up. It’s a form of bullying, and though it may seem right to some today, power changes hands. God gives power to whomever He chooses,” he added.
Asked about the situation in Ihiala, one of the State’s flashpoints, Ukachukwu said there had been no major violence or casualties so far.
“So far, there’s been no report of any death or serious unrest,” he said, adding that, “There are always tensions during elections, but for now, it’s largely calm.”
Similarly, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, John Nwosu, accused the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) of massive vote-buying across Anambra State.
Nwosu made the allegation after casting his vote at Oduda Central School, Ward 2, in Nnewi North Local Government Area. He arrived at his polling unit around 11:28 am., where he voted.
Speaking to journalists shortly after voting, Nwosu expressed satisfaction with the turnout but criticised the alleged financial inducement by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s party.
Meanwhile, the election caused traffic disruptions in Onitsha, as security officials cordoned off the Niger Bridge to restrict movement and ensure the safe transport of election materials and personnel.
In Aguata Local Government Area, some traders initially opened shops at the Nkwo Igboukwu Market despite the election, but market leaders later ordered closures to encourage participation.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, urged strict compliance with electoral guidelines, saying “no excuses for failure will be accepted.”
The Commissioner of Police for the election, Abayomi Shogunle, also assured residents of adequate security, confirming that threats in high-risk areas like Ihiala had been neutralised.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 2,802,790 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots across 5,718 polling units in the state’s 21 local government areas.
The election features 16 candidates across three senatorial districts. Major contenders include Governor Chukwuma Soludo (APGA), Ukachukwu (APC), Paul Chukwuma (YPP), George Moghalu (LP), and Jude Ezenwafor (PDP).
