The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed widespread claims of vote-buying during Saturday’s Anambra State governorship election, insisting that no credible evidence has been presented to support the allegations.
The clarification follows accusations by top candidates — including Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and George Moghalu of the Labour Party — who alleged that voters were openly paid between ₦3,000 and ₦5,000 at several polling units in Nnewi South Local Government Area.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s News at 10, Queen Agwu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra State, described the allegations as “unsubstantiated,” challenging anyone with verifiable evidence to come forward.
She said, “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. You can’t just go on television and say there’s vote-buying everywhere without mentioning one place.”
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Agwu maintained that INEC’s situation room received no verified reports of vote-buying throughout the exercise. “For those of us in the situation room, I was monitoring all through, and there was no confirmed case of vote-buying or delay in material distribution,” she added.
The REC further disclosed that neither INEC officials nor accredited local or international observers reported any substantiated case of inducement during the poll. “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 said.
Agwu also described INEC’s logistics and security deployment as effective, saying the election process went smoothly in most areas. “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 concluded.
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the arrest of three suspected vote buyers — Emeka Ilokasia (Njikoka LGA), Nwachukwu Loretta (Oyi LGA), and Emuka Chuwudi (Dunukofia LGA) — during the election. The agency stated that the suspects will be prosecuted following investigations.
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