Cash for Votes: Allegations of Naira, Rice Exchange Mar Anambra Polls

Cash for Votes: Allegations of Naira, Rice Exchange Mar Anambra Polls

Reports from various locations across Anambra State indicate that the ongoing governorship election has been marred by incidents of vote-buying and disorder, raising concerns about the integrity of the process.

At Unity Primary School, Mgbago, Ward 13, Polling Unit 6 in Umeri, Anambra East Local Government Area, chaos broke out around 10:04 a.m. when agents of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) allegedly disrupted voting activities.

Eyewitnesses said the agents were seen recording names of voters who claimed to have voted for their parties, and were accused of influencing elderly voters who appeared confused. Observers also reported that YPP agents distributed N5,000 and food items, including rice, to voters in exchange for support.

Despite efforts by the Supervisory Presiding Officer to restore order, the agents reportedly defied instructions. Security personnel, both armed and unarmed, were present, but the situation remained tense. Additionally, an agent of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was accused of violating electoral rules by attempting to observe voters’ choices inside the polling area.

Earlier in the day, voting proceeded at Polling Units 007 and 008 in Ward 8, Onitsha North Local Government Area, located at Ezechima Primary School and St. Charles College. While the atmosphere was largely peaceful and security was tight, cases of vote-buying were observed. An APGA agent was allegedly seen offering voters N20,000 each to vote for the party.

Many residents lingered around the polling centres, reportedly waiting to see which party would offer the highest inducement.

In Ihiala Local Government Area, at LiLu Ward 18, Polling Units 01 and 07, APGA agents were seen writing down names of voters after ballots were castm an act observers linked to vote-buying tactics.

By 10:14 a.m., tensions flared at Ikenga Primary School 1, Polling Unit 020, Ward 17, Ufuma 1 in Orumba North, over discrepancies in cash inducements. Witnesses said an APGA agent was offering N5,000, while another agent nearby was giving N10,000. A woman who voiced concern over the disparity was reportedly hushed by others due to the presence of journalists.

At Utah Secondary School, Units 5–8 in Nnewi South, political thugs were seen openly canvassing votes and assisting voters with casting their ballots, raising further alarm about the conduct of the election.

These incidents have sparked calls for increased vigilance and enforcement by electoral and security authorities to safeguard the credibility of the electoral process.

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