Tension In Anambra: APC Demands Probe Into Soludo’s Alleged Cash-For-Votes Promise

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to investigate Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, over an alleged monetary inducement ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

The call was made by the APC’s National Secretary, Ajibola Bashiru, in an interview with The Punch, following reports that Soludo promised cash rewards to wards that deliver victory for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) during the upcoming polls.

At a campaign rally held on October 25 in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area, Soludo — who is also the APGA governorship candidate — pledged monetary incentives based on electoral performance.

He reportedly said,

“When we were campaigning for the Senate, we knew we were going to win every ward in the South Senatorial Zone, but we still had some incentives. Any ward that APGA won received ₦1 million, and we won all the wards in Orumba South.
We promised each of these wards ₦1 million, and next week, we will redeem it. The ward that comes first will receive ₦5 million, the second ₦3 million, and the third ₦2 million. For November 8, any ward that wins again will receive ₦1 million, while the top three performing wards will get ₦5 million, ₦2 million, and ₦1 million respectively.”

The APC condemned the statement as a blatant attempt to influence voters, describing it as a breach of electoral ethics.

According to Bashiru, “Governor Soludo’s pledge is a reflection of desperation and lack of confidence. If he has been in power for over three years and cannot campaign on the strength of his performance, it shows that he is challenged and should be voted out.”

He called on INEC to “immediately investigate the matter and issue a public warning against such conduct,” while also urging the police to scrutinize APGA’s campaign financing in line with electoral regulations.

Government’s Response

Reacting to the allegations, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, dismissed the APC’s claims, describing the party as a “pathetic opposition” with no political presence in the state.

“The APC has no councillor, no local government chairman, and no representative in either the House of Assembly or National Assembly. The governor’s comments were aimed at encouraging voter participation, not buying votes,” Mefor stated.

He clarified that Soludo’s remarks were directed at boosting turnout among all registered voters, not just APGA supporters.

“Governor Soludo has no reason to buy votes. His performance speaks for him. Communities across Anambra have voluntarily contributed millions toward his re-election — something unprecedented in our political history,” he added.

With the election only days away, the controversy has injected fresh tension into Anambra’s already heated political atmosphere. The onus now falls on INEC and security agencies to determine whether Soludo’s remarks amount to an electoral offence — and whether safeguards are strong enough to guarantee a credible contest.