APC Demands Probe of Soludo Over Cash-for-Votes Promise

The All Progressives Congress has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for allegedly offering cash rewards to supporters of the All Progressives Grand Alliance ahead of next Saturday’s governorship election.

The APC’s National Secretary, Ajibola Bashiru, made the demand in an interview, accusing the governor of attempting to sway voters through financial inducement rather than relying on his record in office. He said Soludo’s comments at a recent campaign rally in Orumba South Local Government Area showed “desperation” and “lack of confidence” in his administration’s achievements.

The controversy began after Soludo reportedly promised monetary rewards to APGA supporters in wards that deliver strong results for the party during the upcoming poll. During the rally, he allegedly announced that wards performing best for APGA would receive cash prizes ranging from one to five million naira, similar to what he claimed was done in past elections.

Bashiru argued that such pledges violated electoral ethics and called for immediate action from both INEC and the police. He said the electoral body should issue a public warning and scrutinize APGA’s campaign finances to ensure compliance with electoral laws. The APC official also alleged that Soludo’s promise reflected poor performance in office and a failure to convince voters through his policies and governance.

Reacting to the accusation, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, dismissed the APC’s claim as politically motivated. He described the party as “nonexistent” in the state and accused it of twisting Soludo’s remarks to score cheap political points.

According to Mefor, the governor’s statement was not an attempt to buy votes but an initiative to encourage voter participation, especially given the low turnout in previous elections. He explained that Soludo’s message was directed at all registered voters, not just supporters of his party.

The commissioner added that Soludo’s achievements in infrastructure, education, and community development had earned him widespread support across Anambra. He claimed that several communities had voluntarily raised funds for the governor’s re-election, showing that his popularity was based on performance, not money.

As political tension builds in Anambra ahead of the November 8 election, the cash-for-votes controversy has added a new layer of dispute between APGA and APC. Observers say how INEC and security agencies respond could shape public confidence in the integrity of the upcoming poll.