The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra State, Queen Elizabeth Agwu, has refuted allegations of vote-buying during Saturday’s governorship election.
Speaking on Channels Television’s News at 10 shortly after the polls, Agwu said the claims lacked proof. She urged anyone making such accusations to come forward with credible evidence.
“When the two strongest candidates went to vote, they mentioned vote-buying. But like I said during voter education, anyone with such information should provide facts and figures,” she said.
Vote-Buying Allegations Dismissed
Agwu described vote-buying as “a very serious offence and a legislative matter,” stressing that it must be backed with facts. She dismissed claims made without specific details, saying they were unfounded.
The REC noted that while there were reports of delayed materials, intimidation, and vote inducement in some areas, no verified case of vote-buying reached her situation room during the election.
“For us who were in the situation room, I didn’t go to the field. I couldn’t have gone. I didn’t get information about the late arrival of materials, and I was monitoring all through. There was no report of delay anywhere,” she explained.
Agwu said neither INEC officials nor domestic and international observers confirmed any incident of vote-buying. “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 stated.
Voter Turnout and Election Conduct
On voter participation, she said it was too early to conclude whether turnout was high or low. “I cannot talk of low voter turnout when the results are not fully collated.
We’ll calculate turnout based on the results on ground. From what we saw in the situation room, there was heavy turnout in the early hours,” she added.
Agwu rated the overall conduct of the election as impressive, noting that INEC’s logistics and security deployment were largely effective. “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 said.
EFCC Arrests Suspected Vote Buyers
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced the arrest of three suspected vote buyers in separate locations across the state. Those arrested were identified as Emeka Ilokasia from Njikoka LGA, Nwachukwu Loretta from Oyi LGA, and Emuka Chuwudi from Dunukofia LGA.
The anti-graft agency said the suspects were apprehended during the polls and would face prosecution after investigations. “They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” the EFCC stated.
Despite the REC’s denial, some observers reported isolated cases of vote-buying and voter apathy.
A Situation Room observer, Dimma Nwobi, confirmed incidents that prompted the EFCC to increase its monitoring efforts.
Reactions from Political Parties
Governor Charles Soludo, on his part, alleged attempts by unnamed politicians to manipulate results and urged security agencies to remain vigilant.
Former Governor Peter Obi, who voted at Polling Unit 019 in Agulu, cautioned voters against selling their votes. “Those who sell their votes risk losing schools, hospitals, jobs, and their future. This must stop,” he said.
Other candidates also voiced concerns. ADC’s John Nwosu accused APGA of vote-buying, while APC’s Nicholas Ukachukwu alleged intimidation of his agents.
Smooth Election Process and Result Upload
The election, held across 21 local government areas, was largely peaceful. Voting ended around 2 p.m. in many polling units, followed by sorting and counting.
As of Saturday evening, INEC had uploaded 99.09% of polling unit results on its Result Viewing Portal (IReV). Channels Television reported that 5,668 of the 5,720 polling unit results were available online by 9:12 p.m.
According to INEC, 2,802,790 registered voters were expected to vote across 5,718 polling units, with 16 candidates in the race, including female contenders Ndidi Olieh of NRM and deputy governorship hopefuls Veronica Okaro (LP) and Faith Obi (ZLP).
However, despite the tension and allegations, the poll concluded without any major incidents of violence.Is this conversation helpful so far?
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
