George Moghalu, the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, has voiced significant concerns. He spoke about widespread vote-buying during Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State.
Speaking to journalists at his Nnewi North LGA residence, Moghalu confirmed receiving many reports. These reports detailed vote-buying incidents across various polling areas. This happened despite the large security deployment for the exercise.
He lamented that this practice has resurfaced. It was evident in past elections but appeared even more aggressively this time.
Moghalu described the situation as “scandalous and very embarrassing.” He stated, “The issue of vote-buying is no more a speculation. It happened very aggressively in the last by-election. This time around, I’ve been receiving reports of the same thing happening.”
Disappointment with Security Agencies
The LP candidate expressed disappointment. He felt security agencies had not apprehended offenders. This was despite their substantial deployment to the state.
He remarked, “With the quantity of security personnel that has been brought into Anambra State for the purposes of this election, I expect that vote-buyers by now should have been caught and stopped.”
Moghalu called this trend “most unfortunate.” He noted it poses serious danger to democratic credibility. He warned that vote-buying puts unqualified leaders in office. Ultimately, this harms the electorate.
According to him, “The worst form of corruption is electoral corruption. Because by electoral corruption, you put in office people who are not credible, people who are not qualified, people who should not hold responsible offices. At the end of the day, it is the people that suffer.”
Optimism Amidst Irregularities
Despite the reported irregularities, Moghalu remained hopeful. He insisted he ran a credible campaign. He also presented a clear manifesto to the people.
He declared, “I’m very optimistic. I’ve done everything I should do according to the rules. I sleep peacefully. I watch everything play out.”
Highlighting his experience, he added, “One of the things I present to the people is my experience, both in the public and private sectors. And I always ask people to verify who I am.”
Moghalu concluded by affirming that the final outcome rests in divine hands. He stated, “Power belongs to God and He gives to whom He pleases. What we are doing is making ourselves available for the will of God to prevail.”
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