Controversy Trails Soludo’s N1m-Per-Ward Pledge Ahead of Anambra Governorship Election

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has come under fire following his announcement of a cash reward for every ward won by his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), in the forthcoming November 8 governorship election.

Speaking during the APGA campaign rally in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area, on Saturday, Soludo promised to give N1 million to each ward won by the party in the election.

“When we were campaigning for the Senate, we knew we were going to win every ward in the South Senatorial Zone, but we still had some incentives.

Any ward that APGA won received N1 million, and we won all the wards in Orumba South.

“We promised each of these wards N1 million, and next week, we will redeem it.

“For November 8, any ward that wins again will receive N1 million, while the first three performing wards will get N5 million, N2 million, and N1 million respectively,” he said.

However, the governor’s remarks have sparked widespread criticism from opposition parties and civil society organisations, who described the pledge as open inducement and a breach of the Electoral Act.

DAILY POST reports that about 2.8 million registered voters are expected to participate in the poll, where 16 political parties and their candidates will vie for the governorship seat.

Reacting to the development, the National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-East, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, condemned Soludo’s promise, describing it as an act of vote-buying and abuse of office.

Similarly, the National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the matter, calling the governor’s statement “a public confession of vote-buying.”

The Labour Party (LP) also faulted the move, accusing Soludo of “weaponising poverty” and attempting to manipulate voters.

“This is not good for democracy. Why is he giving out money now that elections are near? This is vote-buying and manipulation. We will raise this matter at the next stakeholders’ meeting with INEC,” the party said.