The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for allegedly offering financial inducements to supporters of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) ahead of the November 8 governorship election.
APC National Secretary, Ajibola Bashiru, made the call in an interview, describing Soludo’s recent cash reward pledge as a “blatant attempt to influence voters” and “a reflection of desperation.”
The controversy stems from the governor’s remarks during an October 25 campaign rally in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area, where he promised cash incentives to wards based on their performance in the polls.
“At the last election, each ward that APGA won received ₦1m. For the coming election, any ward that wins will also get ₦1m, while the top three performing wards will get ₦5m, ₦2m, and ₦1m respectively,” Soludo had said.
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Reacting, Bashiru accused the governor of undermining electoral integrity.
“If he has been in office for more than three years and cannot campaign based on performance, then he should be voted out. INEC must probe this and the police should investigate APGA’s campaign finances,” he said.
However, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, dismissed the APC’s allegations, describing the party as a “pathetic opposition” in the state.
Mefor clarified that Soludo’s comments were aimed at boosting voter participation, not buying votes. “The governor’s concern is the low voter turnout in Anambra elections. His message was directed at encouraging civic responsibility, not rewarding partisan loyalty,” he stated.
He further argued that Soludo’s record of governance speaks for itself, adding that several communities had voluntarily contributed funds to support his re-election.
“Soludo doesn’t need to pay anyone to vote for him, his performance is his campaign,” Mefor said.
