APC Candidate Nicholas Ukachukwu Alleges Vote Buying, Assault On Agent Amid Anambra Governorship Election [VIDEO]

 

Allegations of widespread vote buying cast a shadow over the ongoing Anambra governorship election as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, raised alarm over what he described as massive financial inducement of voters across polling centers in the state. The APC flagbearer voiced his concerns shortly after casting his ballot at Polling Unit 012, Umudimala Amaihe Hall, located in Osumenyi, within the Nnewi South Local Government Area.

Mr. Ukachukwu accused the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) of orchestrating vote buying operations in several polling units, a practice he said poses a grave danger to Nigeria’s democratic integrity. According to him, the act of exchanging money for votes has now become the single biggest threat to free and fair elections in the country, warning that the habit could cripple governance and accountability if not urgently addressed.

He lamented that his party’s monitors and agents had observed several irregularities during their rounds, including open financial inducement and coordinated efforts to sway voters’ choices. The APC candidate stressed that such practices amount to using public funds to manipulate the electorate and reclaim stolen mandates, describing it as a moral and civic tragedy that undermines genuine democracy.

Mr. Ukachukwu stated that the current election should have been an opportunity for the people of Anambra to express their will without interference or coercion. Instead, he said, the widespread monetization of the process sends a troubling message that Nigeria’s democracy still has a long way to go. He urged both citizens and institutions to unite in condemning the trend, emphasizing that true leadership is built on credibility and service, not on the buying of votes.

Security agencies, according to him, have a critical role to play in ensuring that the integrity of the process is not compromised. He called on the police and other security operatives deployed across the state to act swiftly and decisively against anyone caught engaging in electoral misconduct. He noted that despite reports of minor disturbances, there had been no major incidents of violence or loss of life as of the time he spoke.

The APC candidate also alleged that one of his party agents was assaulted in Utuh, a community within the same local government area. He described the incident as an unfortunate reflection of the hostile environment in which some of his supporters have been forced to operate. Mr. Ukachukwu condemned the attack and called on authorities to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice, reiterating that no one should be intimidated or harmed for exercising their political rights.

Despite the irregularities and security concerns, Mr. Ukachukwu maintained optimism about his chances at the polls. He expressed faith that the final outcome would favor his party, asserting that the will of the people would ultimately prevail over acts of corruption and intimidation. His confidence, he said, stemmed from his belief that many Anambra residents were eager for change and had seen through the deceptive tactics of political inducement.

He remarked that his participation in the election was not only a civic duty but also a demonstration of his eligibility and commitment to serve the state. Casting his vote, he said, represented a symbol of faith in the democratic process, despite its imperfections.

Acknowledging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Ukachukwu commended the early arrival of electoral materials and officials, saying that the promptness of the process showed a marked improvement compared to previous elections. He observed that the peaceful atmosphere in some polling units and the orderly conduct of voters reflected a growing awareness among citizens about the importance of responsible participation in governance.

Nevertheless, he cautioned that logistical improvements would mean little if the core problem of electoral corruption is not addressed. According to him, the credibility of elections depends not only on the efficiency of the process but also on the integrity of those involved. He concluded by calling for collective responsibility among political leaders, security agencies, and citizens to safeguard democracy and ensure that future elections truly reflect the will of the people.

Mr. Ukachukwu’s comments add to the chorus of concerns about the persistent challenge of vote buying in Nigerian elections, a practice that continues to distort the essence of democratic choice. As the Anambra governorship election progresses, attention remains fixed on how the electoral umpire and security agencies respond to these allegations and whether meaningful steps will be taken to restore confidence in the process.

VIDEO: "There has been a lot of vote buying and it has become a menace" -- Nicholas Ukachukwu, APC governorship candidate#AnambraDecides2025 #AnambraDecides pic.twitter.com/igWdfgNEZ0

— TheCable (@thecableng) November 8, 2025