The All Progressives Congress (APC) is calling on both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, following his recent offer of monetary incentives to party faithful in wards that ensure victory for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the forthcoming governorship election next Saturday.
* Accusation of Inducement: The APC’s National Secretary, Ajibola Bashiru, made the appeal, accusing Soludo of attempting to influence voters through financial rewards rather than relying on the achievements of his administration.
* The Pledge: Soludo, who is also the APGA gubernatorial candidate, stirred controversy on October 25 during a rally in Umunze, Orumba South LGA, by promising cash prizes based on performance. He recounted previous incentives: “Any ward that APGA won received N1m… For November 8, any ward that wins again will receive N1m, while the first three performing wards will get N5m, N2m, and N1m respectively.”
🗣️ Opposition Criticizes Governor’s Desperation
Bashiru criticized Soludo’s public commitment as a “reflection of desperation and lack of confidence,” asserting that the governor’s time in office has failed to win over voters.
* Call for Action: Bashiru argued that if the governor cannot run on his record after over three years, it suggests he is “challenged and needs to be voted out.” He also demanded that INEC “probe this matter and issue a public warning,” and insisted the police should “investigate APGA’s campaign finances” for compliance with electoral laws.
🛡️ APGA Dismisses Claims as “Pathetic Opposition”
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, immediately rejected the APC’s accusations, branding the party as a “pathetic opposition” lacking relevance in the state.
* Defense of Statement: Mefor claimed the APC deliberately misinterpreted Soludo’s comments, maintaining that the Governor’s remarks were aimed at encouraging high voter participation, not purchasing votes. He cited the state’s typically low turnout (only about 200,000 out of 2.7 million registered voters in the last poll) as the Governor’s real concern.
* Performance vs. Pay: Mefor asserted that Soludo’s administration has achieved outstanding results and that the Governor does not need to pay anyone for their support. He highlighted that numerous communities have spontaneously contributed millions to the re-election campaign, calling it an “unprecedented” show of support.
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