The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra State, Queen Elizabeth Agwu, has refuted widespread allegations of vote-buying during Saturday’s governorship election, insisting that no credible evidence has been presented to support such claims.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s News at 10, Agwu stated that while some political candidates had made public accusations of vote-buying, none had provided verifiable proof.
“When the two strongest candidates went to vote, they mentioned vote-buying. But like I said during voter education, anyone with such information should provide facts and figures. Vote-buying is a very serious offence and a legislative matter. If you want to accuse someone, give us evidence. You can’t just go on television and say there’s vote-buying everywhere without mentioning one place,” she said.
Although there were reports of delayed material distribution, voter intimidation, and vote-buying in certain areas, Agwu maintained that her situation room received no such reports from officials or observers.
“For us who were in the situation room, I didn’t go to the field. I couldn’t have gone. I didn’t get information about the late arrival of materials, and I was monitoring all through. There was no report of delay anywhere,” she explained.
The REC further noted that neither INEC officials nor domestic and international observers had reported confirmed instances of vote-buying, emphasizing, “None of our staff or observers told me they saw any area where there was vote-buying. So, to me, it’s a rumour, and rumours don’t thrive with me.”
On voter turnout, Agwu declined to draw early conclusions, saying the official figures would only be known after full collation. “I cannot talk of low voter turnout when the results are not fully collated. We’ll calculate turnout based on the results on ground. From what we saw in the situation room, there was heavy turnout in the early hours,” she added.
She lauded the election’s overall conduct, describing INEC’s logistics and security arrangements as effective. “It was a very good outing. INEC deployed early in nearly all polling units. There was adequate security, the BVAS worked well, and voters turned out en masse,” she said.
EFCC Arrests Three Suspected Vote Buyers
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the arrest of three individuals for alleged vote-buying in different parts of Anambra.
The suspects—Emeka Ilokasia (Njikoka LGA), Nwachukwu Loretta (Oyi LGA), and Emuka Chuwudi (Dunukofia LGA)—were apprehended during the voting exercise. According to the EFCC, the suspects will be charged to court upon the completion of investigations. “They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” the Commission stated.
Despite the REC’s denial, some observer groups, including representatives of the Situation Room, reported isolated cases of voter inducement. Dimma Nwobi, one of the observers, confirmed that vote-buying took place in select areas, prompting the EFCC to intensify its monitoring efforts.
Although minor BVAS malfunctions were recorded, voting proceeded largely without disruption across the state.
Governor Charles Soludo, in a separate statement, alleged attempts by unnamed political actors to manipulate the process and called on security agencies to remain vigilant.
Former Governor Peter Obi also cautioned voters against selling their votes, saying, “Those who sell their votes risk losing schools, hospitals, jobs, and their future. This must stop.”
Similarly, opposition candidates raised concerns about the credibility of the poll. ADC’s John Nwosu accused APGA of engaging in vote-buying, while APC’s Nicholas Ukachukwu alleged voter inducement and intimidation of his supporters.
INEC Uploads 99% of Poll Results
Despite these controversies, the electoral process was largely peaceful. Heavy security presence was observed in major cities, including Onitsha, where the Niger Bridge was temporarily sealed to facilitate the safe movement of election materials and personnel.
Voting concluded peacefully across Anambra’s 21 local government areas, with counting and collation commencing around 2 p.m. in several polling units, including Amawbia in Awka South LGA.
As of 9:12 p.m. on Saturday, Channels Television confirmed that INEC had uploaded 5,668 out of 5,720 polling unit results—representing 99.09 per cent—on its Results Viewing Portal (IReV).
The election featured 16 candidates, including female aspirants such as Ndidi Olieh of the NRM and deputy governorship candidates Veronica Okaro (LP) and Faith Obi (ZLP).
According to INEC, 2,802,790 registered voters were eligible to participate across 5,718 polling units, though two units had no registered voters.
Despite reports of voter apathy and alleged inducement, the election was largely peaceful, with no major incidents of violence recorded.
What you should know
Anambra’s REC, Queen Elizabeth Agwu, dismissed widespread claims of vote-buying in the just-concluded governorship election, stating that no credible evidence was presented.
While INEC achieved a 99% upload rate of polling unit results, the EFCC arrested three suspects over alleged vote-buying. Despite minor irregularities, the election was generally calm, with high security presence and smooth BVAS operation across the state.
