Labour Party governorship candidate, Dr George Moghalu, has raised concerns over reports of vote buying and poor voter turnout in the ongoing Anambra State governorship election.
Speaking after casting his vote at Uruagu Ward 1 in Nnewi, Moghalu said the low participation reflected the electorate’s dwindling confidence in the electoral process.
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure credibility and transparency in the exercise.
“I didn’t hear issues of glitches, at least for now. As we go along to monitor the process, we’ll confirm,” he said.
However, at the end of scheduled voting time, at polling unit 017, which has 463 registered voters, only 86 were accredited for the November 8 governorship election.
Chukwuma Soludo, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, led the unit with 57 votes, while Moghalu of the LP managed 22 votes.
Comparing the current poll to previous ones, Moghalu acknowledged some progress but faulted the monetisation of voting. “In terms of voting, there’s improvement compared with previous elections. I can’t say it’s free and fair because if you monetise a process, you weaponise poverty. What’s free about it?” he asked.
He further lamented voter apathy, describing it as a protest against a system people no longer trust. “There’s no doubt there is low voter turnout, and that has been the trend. It’s incumbent on INEC to keep improving the process because voter apathy is a manifestation of the people’s loss of confidence,” he said.
“I’m worried because it’s not about me but about the process that will create a stable environment and further strengthen our democracy,” he added.
