The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the ongoing 2025 Anambra State election, Nicholas Ukachukwu, has alleged widespread vote buying and intimidation of APC agents across several polling units.
Ukachukwu, who cast his ballot at Osumenyi Ward 2, Polling Unit 012, described the situation as a grave threat to Nigeria’s democratic integrity, warning that citizens who sell their votes contribute to the erosion of accountability in governance.
“If there’s no seller, there can be no buyer,” Ukachukwu said after voting. “Those who trade their conscience for money lose their moral voice as citizens. You can’t complain about bad governance if you sold your right to choose.”
The APC candidate further alleged that one of his agents was assaulted during the voting exercise, describing the attack as a form of political bullying.
“There have been incidents where our agents were beaten. Power changes hands, and we must not normalize intimidation as part of our elections,” he cautioned.
Despite the reports of harassment, Ukachukwu noted that no deaths or major violence had been recorded in flashpoint areas such as Ihiala, though tensions remained high.
Meanwhile, voting and accreditation commenced peacefully across most of the state’s 5,718 polling units, with turnout reportedly steady by 8:30 a.m. in locations such as Fegge Community Primary School, Onitsha.
Traffic disruptions were observed around Onitsha and the Niger Bridge, as security operatives restricted movement to protect electoral officials and materials.
In Aguata Local Government Area, markets were initially open, but local leaders later ordered traders to close shops to encourage civic participation.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, urged electoral officers to uphold professionalism, stating that “no excuses for failure will be accepted.”
Similarly, the Commissioner of Police for the election, Abayomi Shogunle, assured residents of adequate security, confirming that potential threats in high-risk zones had been contained.
According to INEC, a total of 2,802,790 registered voters are expected to participate in the election across Anambra’s 21 local government areas.
Major contenders in the race include Governor Chukwuma Soludo (APGA), Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC), Paul Chukwuma (YPP), George Moghalu (LP), and Jude Ezenwafor (PDP).
