By Charles Pemu 
Awka, Anambra State — Governor Chukwuma Soludo has drawn criticism after promising a cash reward to supporters of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for every ward won in the upcoming November 8 governorship election.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area, on Saturday, Soludo pledged ₦1 million for each ward secured by APGA, and additional prizes of ₦5m, ₦3m, and ₦2m for the top three performing wards.
“When we campaigned for the Senate, any ward APGA won received ₦1 million, and we won all in Orumba South. For November 8, any ward that wins again will get ₦1 million,” the governor told supporters.
Opposition Parties Condemn “Vote-Buying”
Opposition parties and civil society organisations described Soludo’s remarks as vote-buying and a violation of the Electoral Act.
APC National Vice-Chairman (South-East), Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu, said the move amounted to “open inducement and abuse of office,” while ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, called it a “public confession of vote-buying.”
Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, accused Soludo of “weaponising poverty,” saying, “He has failed in governance and now wants to buy legitimacy with money.”
A former PDP official, Mike Ahumibe, added, “Once money is involved, elections are no longer free and fair. It’s about who can pay the most.”
CSOs, Analysts Raise Alarm
Civil society groups warned that the governor’s comments could undermine democracy.
Debo Adeniran, Executive Director of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, described the pledge as “reprehensible” and “a criminal act.”
“Vote-buying is an electoral offence. The governor should be investigated once he leaves office. INEC must act to preserve electoral integrity,” he said.
Similarly, Alhaji Yabagi Sani, former National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, called it a “dangerous precedent,” urging INEC, the EFCC, and the police to investigate.
YIAGA Africa also warned that Soludo’s statement “threatens democracy,” with its media officer, Jennifer Dafwat, noting that vote-buying extends beyond election day to any incentive intended to influence voters’ choices.
Anambra Govt Denies Wrongdoing
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, dismissed the allegations, saying Soludo’s remarks were taken out of context.
“How does motivation for supporters amount to vote-buying? It’s simply a way to energise the base. A leader can use material rewards as extrinsic motivation,” he said.
INEC Prepares for Poll, Plans 22,800 Ad Hoc Staff
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced plans to deploy about 22,800 ad hoc staff to man the 5,720 polling units across Anambra for the election.
National Commissioner Dr Kenneth Ikeagu disclosed that over 540 accredited journalists will cover the exercise. He assured that voting will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m., adding that those in line within the period will be allowed to vote.
Low Turnout in PVC Collection
PVC collection across the state recorded low turnout, with voters in Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, and Amawbia lamenting the slow pace caused by limited INEC staff.
Party representatives urged the commission to deploy more personnel and intensify public awareness campaigns, particularly in rural areas.
Okelo Madukaife, a member of the APC campaign council, called the process “peaceful but slow,” while Johnson Okoye, media aide to the Labour Party candidate, Dr George Moghalu, urged citizens to collect their voter cards.
“The PVC is our power and our voice to shape the future of Anambra,” he said.