Opposition parties have condemned Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s cash reward pledge to APGA-supporting wards. The offer applies to the upcoming November governorship election. Critics label the move as open voter inducement. They call it a blatant breach of the Electoral Act.
Soludo’s Controversial Incentive Plan
Governor Soludo defended the cash incentive system. He referenced similar rewards during Senate campaigns. “APGA-winning wards received N1 million in Orumba South,” Soludo stated. The governor promised to redeem these payments next week.
He announced enhanced rewards for the November election. Top-performing wards would receive up to N5 million. Second and third place would get N3 million and N2 million respectively. All winning wards would receive N1 million each.
Opposition Parties Demand Action
The APC’s South-East Vice Chairman, Ijeomah Arodiogbu, condemned the move. “This is clear vote-buying against electoral law,” he stated. He accused Soludo of forcing communities to commit votes. The APC plans to petition INEC, EFCC, and security agencies.
ADC National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi urged immediate INEC action. He termed Soludo’s announcement “a public confession of vote-buying.”
Labour Party’s Obiora Ifoh accused Soludo of weaponizing poverty. “This manipulation isn’t good for democracy,” Ifoh remarked. He questioned the timing of the cash distribution. The party will raise the issue at INEC’s stakeholder meeting.
Former PDP official Mike Ahumibe criticized the scheme’s impact. “Money involvement destroys electoral integrity,” he argued. Ahumibe emphasized elections should reflect voter choice. Not financial capability of candidates.
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