The All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for reportedly promising cash rewards to supporters of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the forthcoming governorship election.
The APC’s National Secretary, Ajibola Bashiru, made the call while reacting to Soludo’s statement during a campaign rally held in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area, on October 25. During the rally, Soludo reportedly pledged cash incentives to party loyalists in wards that deliver victory for APGA, offering monetary rewards to the top-performing areas after the election.
According to Bashiru, such a promise suggests an attempt to influence voters through financial inducement rather than relying on the governor’s achievements in office. He argued that a leader who has been in power for over three years should be able to campaign based on his record and public impact. Bashiru added that the move undermines electoral fairness and called on INEC and the police to take immediate action to ensure transparency and adherence to electoral laws.
Responding to the accusation, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, dismissed the claims, describing them as baseless. He said the APC misrepresented Soludo’s words, explaining that the governor’s statement was intended to encourage voter participation, not vote-buying.
Mefor noted that APGA remains the dominant political force in the state and that the governor’s administration has delivered several community-based projects that have earned public support. He added that various communities in Anambra have voluntarily raised funds to back Soludo’s re-election campaign, showing their satisfaction with his performance.
Soludo, who is contesting under the APGA platform, is seeking another term in office as the state prepares for the November 8 governorship election.