APC Alleges “Cash-for-Votes” Across Multiple Polling Units, Calls for INEC Investigation
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised serious concerns over alleged vote-buying and voter inducement during the ongoing Anambra State governorship election, accusing rival parties — the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Labour Party (LP) — of using cash handouts to sway voters in their favor.
Speaking at a press briefing in Awka, the APC campaign spokesperson, Hon. Chijioke Nnaji, claimed that party agents and independent observers documented instances where voters were allegedly offered between ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 in exchange for votes.
“We have credible evidence that APGA and Labour Party agents are openly distributing money to voters near polling units. This is a gross violation of the Electoral Act, and INEC must take immediate action,” Nnaji said.
💸 Reports from Polling Units
Reports from Onitsha South, Nnewi North, and Aguata Local Government Areas indicate that several voters were seen crowding around makeshift kiosks and vehicles after casting their ballots, where party representatives allegedly disbursed cash “rewards.”
A resident who spoke under anonymity told reporters:
“Once you show them your inked finger, they write down your name and give you money. Everyone knows what’s going on, but nobody wants to speak publicly.”
Election monitors from the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and Yiaga Africa also acknowledged receiving multiple complaints of “financial inducement attempts” but said they were still verifying the claims.
🏛️ INEC and Security Agencies React
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it had received “isolated reports” of vote-buying and promised to investigate any credible evidence brought forward.
INEC spokesperson Dr. Queen Nwafor warned that the commission would not tolerate electoral malpractice, adding that security agencies had been directed to arrest anyone caught engaging in voter inducement.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command confirmed the arrest of three suspects in the Onitsha axis over alleged vote-buying.
“We will not allow anyone to compromise this election,” said Police PRO DSP Tochukwu Ikenga. “Our men are on the ground across all LGAs to ensure transparency and order.”
🗣️ Reactions From Other Parties
In response, the APGA campaign organization dismissed the allegations as “baseless propaganda” aimed at discrediting the ruling party’s grassroots popularity.
“APC has sensed defeat, and they are already looking for excuses,” said APGA’s spokesperson, Barr. Uche Nwosu. “We are confident that the people of Anambra know who truly works for them.”
Similarly, the Labour Party (LP) described the APC’s accusations as “a desperate attempt to create chaos.”
“Our campaign is issue-based. We have no reason to buy votes when the people voluntarily support us,” said LP candidate Dr. Chuka Ezeobi.
⚖️ Election Observers Call for Calm
Election observers have urged all political parties to maintain peace and allow INEC to complete its collation process.
“Vote-buying remains one of Nigeria’s biggest electoral threats,” said Grace Agbo, a representative of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG). “We urge citizens to resist any form of inducement and vote according to conscience.”
🕓 The Bigger Picture
As voting continues across Anambra State, the allegations of vote-buying have further heightened tensions in what analysts describe as one of the most competitive elections in recent years.
INEC has promised to extend voting hours in areas affected by technical delays earlier in the day and to review all reported cases of malpractice before announcing final results.
📡 Bottom Line
The APC’s allegations have added a new layer of controversy to the #AnambraDecides2025 election, testing INEC’s credibility and Nigeria’s commitment to transparent democracy.
All eyes now remain on INEC’s collation center in Awka, where results are expected to start trickling in overnight.
📰 Full coverage continues under the hashtag #AnambraDecides2025
#BreakingNews #NigeriaVotes #AnambraElection #APC #APGA #LabourParty #INEC #VoteBuying #Democracy
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