By Ayomide Otitoju
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, John Nwosu, has accused the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) of widespread vote-buying across Anambra State during Saturday’s governorship election.
Nwosu cast his vote at Oduda Central School, Ward 2, Nnewi North Local Government Area, around 11:28 a.m., and spoke to journalists afterward, expressing satisfaction with voter turnout but criticising alleged financial inducements by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s party.
Similarly, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Nicholas Ukachukwu alleged vote buying and intimidation of party agents in parts of the state. Ukachukwu voted at Osumenyi Ward 2, Polling Unit 012 in Nnewi South, urging voters not to sell their votes, which he described as a betrayal of civic responsibility.
The election has caused traffic disruptions in Onitsha, with security officials cordoning off the Niger Bridge to ensure safe transport of election materials and personnel. Voting is ongoing across all 21 local government areas, with accreditation beginning as early as 8:30 a.m. in several polling units, including Fegge Community Primary School, Onitsha.
In Aguata Local Government Area, some traders initially opened shops at Nkwo Igboukwu Market, but market leaders later ordered closures to encourage voter participation.
INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan called for strict adherence to electoral guidelines, warning that “no excuses for failure will be accepted,” while Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle assured residents of adequate security, confirming that threats in flashpoints such as Ihiala had been neutralised.
According to INEC, 2,802,790 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots across 5,718 polling units in the state’s 21 local government areas. The election features 16 candidates across three senatorial districts, with major contenders including Governor Chukwuma Soludo (APGA), Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC), Paul Chukwuma (YPP), George Moghalu (LP), and Jude Ezenwafor (PDP).
