Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo has accused certain politicians in the state of attempting to manipulate the upcoming governorship election results by allegedly sleeping in the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Soludo made this statement during a panel discussion in Abuja on the topic of innovation in electoral technology from 2015 to 2025.
According to the governor, some politicians do not believe in the integrity of the electoral process and are therefore trying to influence the outcome. He emphasized that this mindset is part of the “Nigerian factor,” where some individuals think that success can only be achieved through unethical means, such as “wuruwuru” or “wayo” (local terms for manipulation or fraud).
Soludo noted that while some politicians are busy campaigning, others are focused on trying to manipulate the system. He stated that this approach undermines the democratic process and the principle of one person, one vote. The governor urged politicians to have faith in the electoral system and allow the people’s votes to count.
The accusation comes as Anambra State prepares for its governorship election next month. The election is expected to be closely contested, and the integrity of the electoral process will be under scrutiny. Soludo’s statement highlights the challenges faced by the electoral commission in ensuring the credibility and transparency of the election.
The governor’s comments also underscore the need for politicians to adhere to democratic principles and respect the will of the people. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and whether the electoral commission will be able to maintain its independence and ensure a free and fair election.
In the context of Nigeria’s electoral history, Soludo’s accusation is not unprecedented. There have been instances in the past where politicians have been accused of attempting to manipulate election results. However, the governor’s statement serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding democratic principles and ensuring that the electoral process is credible and transparent.