Anambra Guber: ADC Candidate Nwosu Accuses Soludo, APGA of Orchestrating Vote-Buying in LGs

John Chuma Nwosu, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the November 8 Anambra governorship election, has accused the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)-led state government of violating the Electoral Act 2022 through coercive and illegal campaign financing.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Nwosu alleged that communities have been pressured to make large donations to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s campaign, a practice he described as a serious breach of electoral laws.

“I’m aware that some groups and town unions have made significant donations to Governor Soludo and APGA to support his campaign,” Nwosu said. “While individuals may donate freely, such donations linked to quid-pro-quo arrangements—such as padded government contracts returned as campaign funds—are illegal and amount to criminal conduct.”

He also raised concerns about local governments, many of which are reportedly cash-strapped, being involved in these dubious financial practices, highlighting the lack of visible development despite federal allocations.

Nwosu noted that many well-meaning community members have contacted him with complaints about these “round-tripping” donations, warning that the practice undermines governance and democratic integrity.

He condemned what he described as unprecedented levels of vote-buying and dishonesty by the APGA administration, calling it an attempt to manipulate voters illegally.

“Elections should be won by popular votes, not by inducements or coercion,” he stressed, criticizing Governor Soludo’s administration for poor performance and alleged desperation to retain power.

Nwosu urged voters to reject vote-buying, reminding them that selling their votes means sacrificing their patrimony, freedom, and democratic rights.