N5 MILLION PER POLLING UNIT
By SCM Correspondent, SE I Saturday, Nov.08, 2025
AWKA, Anambra – The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the ongoing Anambra State governorship election, Senator Uche Ekwunife, has raised alarm over what she described as widespread vote buying allegedly perpetrated by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Speaking shortly after casting her vote at Polling Unit 001, Nri, in Anaocha Local Government Area of the state, Senator Ekwunife expressed deep concern that despite repeated warnings by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies against electoral malpractice, vote buying appeared to be taking place on a large scale.
According to her, credible intelligence from field reports indicated that the APGA candidate, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, allegedly distributed as much as ₦5 million to each polling unit to influence voters.
She described the development as a dangerous setback to Nigeria’s democratic process and a betrayal of the people’s will.
Ekwunife, who arrived at her polling unit around 11:34 a.m. to cast her ballot, lamented that many voters across the state were being pressured through financial inducements to vote against their conscience.
“It is disheartening that instead of allowing the people to freely choose their leaders, some political actors have chosen to corrupt the process with money. This kind of monetization of democracy must stop if we truly want progress in Anambra and Nigeria at large,” she said.
Despite the alleged irregularities, Ekwunife commended the impressive turnout of voters, which she described as a strong indication that Anambra people are ready to demand accountability and change the status quo.
“The enthusiasm of the electorate today shows that our people are tired of the bad governance and economic stagnation that have characterized the current administration. I am confident that the APC will emerge victorious because the people are yearning for a new direction,” she added.
Senator Ekwunife also urged security agencies and INEC officials to remain vigilant, impartial, and firm in ensuring that the election outcome reflects the genuine will of the people, rather than the influence of money or intimidation.
