Governor Soludo Expresses Confidence In Anambra Election Outcome, Accuses Opponents Of Vote Buying Amid Delays

 

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has expressed strong confidence that he will emerge victorious in the ongoing gubernatorial election, provided that the votes are transparently counted and the process remains credible. Speaking after casting his vote at Ofiyi Square, Polling Unit 002 in his hometown of Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area, Soludo emphasized that his administration’s performance and the people’s support will secure him a decisive win if the process is free and fair.

The governor arrived at his polling unit in the early afternoon and was accredited swiftly before casting his vote at exactly 1:25 pm. His presence at the polling station drew considerable attention from voters and observers, many of whom expressed excitement at seeing the governor participate actively in the democratic exercise. Soludo, visibly calm and composed, described the election as peaceful, though he acknowledged reports of logistical challenges and irregularities in some areas.

While addressing journalists shortly after voting, the governor said he had received credible information about attempts by some of his political opponents to influence the election through vote buying. He mentioned that reports from certain local government areas indicated that cash inducements were being offered to voters, with some alleged to be distributing as much as ₦15,000 per vote. Despite these troubling reports, Soludo maintained optimism that the will of the people would prevail.

He stated, “The election has been relatively peaceful and going on very peacefully, except for some places where we have gotten reports of difficulty. We have witnessed glitches here and there, like some polling units in Olumbanasa where the BVAS were not working very well. We have also received reports about Nnewi South Local Government Area, where someone was sharing ₦15,000 for votes, maybe because he is desperate to win in that local government. I heard it and I said, don’t mind. Even if they share ₦100,000, let the people just vote and let the votes count. We are fairly convinced that on the basis of one man one vote, we are going to win landslide, there is no question about that.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier assured voters of a smooth process, but challenges with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) have slowed down proceedings in many polling centers across the state. At Ofiyi Square where Soludo voted, over 400 voters were still waiting to cast their ballots as only one BVAS device was available for the large crowd. The slow pace of accreditation left many voters visibly frustrated, although most remained patient and determined to exercise their civic rights.

Observers noted that the technical hitches and late arrival of materials were not limited to Soludo’s polling unit. Reports from several local government areas including Onitsha South, Ihiala, and Nnewi North indicated that voting started later than scheduled due to equipment malfunctions and inadequate manpower. Security operatives, however, were seen maintaining order at polling units, ensuring that the atmosphere remained calm and voters conducted themselves peacefully.

Soludo’s remarks reflect a mix of confidence and concern, capturing both his faith in the electoral process and his disapproval of corrupt practices that threaten its integrity. His assertion that he would win by a landslide if votes are counted accurately underscores his belief that his administration’s developmental efforts have resonated deeply with the electorate. He has often highlighted his government’s focus on infrastructure renewal, education, and economic reforms as evidence of progress and reasons voters should support continuity.

Political analysts observing the election noted that Soludo’s calm demeanor and emphasis on credibility are consistent with his reputation as a reform-minded technocrat. Many see his confidence as a reflection of his belief in the strength of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) across the state. Yet, the allegations of vote buying he raised point to persistent challenges in Nigeria’s electoral process, where financial inducements remain a recurring problem despite repeated warnings from electoral authorities.

As voting continued through the afternoon, calls for patience echoed across various polling units, with INEC officials assuring that all voters on queue before the close of polls would be allowed to cast their ballots. The atmosphere across much of Anambra remained largely peaceful, and there were no reports of major violence or disruptions at the time of filing this report.

Governor Soludo’s message to the people of Anambra was clear. He urged them to focus on casting their votes rather than succumbing to financial temptation. His statement, “Let the people just vote and let the votes count,” resonated as both an appeal for integrity and a reaffirmation of his confidence in the democratic process. Whether that confidence translates into victory will depend on the transparency of the collation process and the resilience of the state’s voters in rejecting electoral malpractice.

The coming hours will determine whether Soludo’s optimism was justified. For now, his faith in the power of the ballot remains unshaken, even as allegations of vote buying and technical difficulties cast a shadow over what has otherwise been a largely peaceful election day in Anambra State.