Anambra governor addresses election integrity ahead of November 8 poll
As political tension builds ahead of the November 8, 2025, governorship election in Anambra State, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has made controversial remarks on how voters should respond to attempts at vote-buying. Speaking during a campaign rally held in Anambra East Local Government Area, the governor urged citizens to accept money offered by vote-buyers but to cast their ballots in favor of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), his party.
Governor Soludo, who is seeking re-election for a second term, framed his advice as a strategic way for voters to benefit financially from the electoral process while still remaining loyal to APGA.
“Take their money, but vote your conscience,” Soludo says
Addressing a crowd of supporters during the campaign rally, Soludo accused unnamed political opponents of planning to rig the upcoming election and incite violence. In contrast, he said APGA was focused on ensuring a peaceful and transparent electoral process.
“They are planning for rigging, they are planning for violence,” Soludo declared. “But APGA is planning for free, fair, transparent and credible election — that’s what we are planning.”
He continued:
“Let them bring the money, they will share the money. We will take the money and then vote for APGA.”
While some in the audience cheered the comments, the statement has sparked debate online and offline over its ethical and legal implications, particularly concerning the fight against electoral corruption.
APGA seen as political bedrock in Anambra
Soludo used the rally to reiterate APGA’s stronghold status in Anambra State, emphasizing that the party is more than a political platform — it is a movement deeply rooted in the state’s political history and identity.
“APGA is Anambra, Anambra is APGA,” he said. “In Anambra, APGA is not just a political party, it’s almost like a religious movement.”
The governor also stressed the importance of voter turnout and transparency, saying:
“We are going to get the voters out. What we need is for everybody to vote, we count the votes, announce the votes, and when you do that, we know who the winner will be.”
Public reaction and legal concerns
Governor Soludo’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions from the public and political observers. Some supporters argue that his comments reflect the reality of grassroots politics, where vote-buying has become common practice, and voters are often coerced with money or goods.
However, others have criticized the statement, warning that it may encourage unethical behavior and undermine ongoing efforts to curb electoral malpractice in Nigeria.
Legal experts have pointed out that vote-buying is a criminal offense under Nigerian law, whether from the perspective of the buyer or the receiver. Sections 124 and 130 of the Electoral Act prohibit the offering or acceptance of money or any form of inducement for votes. Violators risk fines, imprisonment, or both.
Soludo’s re-election bid under the spotlight
Charles Soludo, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was elected as governor of Anambra State in 2021 under the APGA platform. His administration has focused on economic reforms, infrastructure development, and educational improvements. However, his political strategies, particularly statements like the recent one on vote-buying, have prompted scrutiny from opposition parties and civil society groups.
The 2025 election is shaping up to be highly competitive, with candidates from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), and other smaller parties gearing up for what analysts predict will be a closely watched race.
INEC and civil society call for clean elections
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to a free and fair electoral process, warning political actors against inciting voter manipulation or engaging in corrupt practices. Several civil society organizations have also intensified voter education campaigns across the state, encouraging residents to vote their conscience and reject inducements.
As the countdown to the November 8 election continues, all eyes remain on Anambra — a state that often sets the tone for electoral integrity in Nigeria’s southeastern region.
