A non-profit organization, Yiaga Africa, has alleged that the just-concluded Anambra State governorship election was marred by widespread vote-buying.
The Director of Programmes of the group, Cynthia Mbamalu, made the claim on Monday during an interview on Arise Television, monitored by newsmen.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared the incumbent governor, Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), winner of the election.
Mbamalu said low voter turnout continues to make it easier for politicians to manipulate election outcomes through financial inducement rather than popularity.
“Low voter turnout continues to make it easier for politicians to influence election outcomes through financial inducement and impunity, rather than genuine popularity,” she said.
“Votes are beginning to count, and the official result announced is a reflection of the votes cast across polling units, but the truth is that the votes that were counted are the votes that were bought.
“Politicians understand that the system is actually working, and so they invest a lot in spending as much money as possible,” Mbamalu added.
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