Anambra governorship poll: APC candidate raises alarm over vote buying, intimidation

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2025 Anambra election, Nicholas Ukachukwu, has raised alarm over alleged vote buying and harassment of his party’s agents during the ongoing poll.

Ukachukwu, who voted at Osumenyi Ward 2, Polling Unit 012, described the incidents as a dangerous signal for the nation’s 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.

He also alleged that one of his agents was attacked at a polling unit, describing it as an act of intimidation.

“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.

When asked about the situation in Ihiala, identified as one of the state’s flashpoints, Ukachukwu said the area had remained relatively peaceful.

“So far, there’s been no report of any death or serious unrest,” he said, adding, “There are always tensions during elections, but for now, it’s largely calm.”

Meanwhile, movement was restricted around the Niger Bridge in Onitsha as security personnel cordoned off the area to ensure the safe distribution of election materials. The restriction led to heavy traffic buildup in parts of the city.

Across Anambra’s 21 local government areas, voting continued in over 5,700 polling units. Accreditation and voting began by 8:30 a.m. in places like Fegge Community Primary School, Onitsha.

In Aguata Local Government Area, some traders initially opened shops at the Nkwo Igboukwu Market, but market leaders later ordered them to close to encourage voter participation.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, called for strict adherence to electoral guidelines, insisting that “no excuses for failure will be accepted.”

The Commissioner of Police for the election, Abayomi Shogunle, assured residents of adequate security, noting that threats in volatile areas such as Ihiala had been contained.

According to INEC, 2,802,790 registered voters are expected to participate across 5,718 polling units in the state’s 21 local government areas.

Sixteen candidates are contesting the election, including Governor Chukwuma Soludo (APGA), Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC), Paul Chukwuma (YPP), George Moghalu (LP), and Jude Ezenwafor (PDP).