The Governor Chukwuma Soludo promised monetary incentives for Anambra APGA supporters if their party wins wards in the November 8 governorship election, prompting criticism from opposition parties, CSOs, and some analysts.

Summary of the pledge:

• At a campaign rally in Umunze, Soludo announced: if APGA wins wards, each ward will receive N1 million; past incentives in the South Senate Zone included N1 million per ward, with top-performing wards receiving up to N5 million in earlier elections.
• For the November 8 election, he stated: the first three winning wards would get N5 million, N2 million, and N1 million, respectively, and any winning ward would receive N1 million.

Responses and reactions:

• Opposition parties and some CSOs characterised the pledge as vote-buying and a violation of electoral law. APC’s Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu called it vote-buying and an abuse of office, saying they would report the matter to INEC, EFCC, and the police. ADC and LP spokespeople also criticised the move as political manipulation and a threat to democracy.
• Some observers argued the pledge risks normalising monetised elections and could undermine electoral integrity. Civil society voices urged INEC and security agencies to scrutinise the remark.
• A few supporters and government officials framed the pledge as a motivational measure for supporters, not as vote-buying, and questioned whether it constitutes an electoral violation.

INEC and governance context:

• INEC has announced plans to deploy over 22,000 ad hoc staff to man polling units in Anambra for the election, with about 540 journalists accredited to cover the process. The commission emphasised voter education and a voting window from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm.
• The Anambra State Information Commissioner defended the governor’s statement as motivation for supporters, arguing that genuine vote-buying would involve purchasing votes rather than motivating supporters.

PVC collection and logistics:

• PVC collection across Anambra has faced slow turnout and logistical challenges at several centres, with reports of long queues and limited INEC personnel. Observers urged faster deployment of staff and broader public sensitisation.
• Opinions among political actors varied on whether the collection process is being adequately supported by INEC or public awareness campaigns.