The Labour Party’s candidate in the recent Anambra State governorship election, George Moghalu, has attributed his loss in his polling unit to alleged vote-buying by other contenders. In an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’, Moghalu stated that he could not afford to match the amount of money being offered to voters by other candidates and therefore refused to engage in the practice.

Moghalu explained that many voters in his polling unit were swayed by the financial incentives due to their economic struggles. He specifically accused the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the ruling party in Anambra, of being involved in the alleged vote-buying activities. According to Moghalu, several party agents wearing APGA tags were seen purchasing votes, and some had even been arrested for the offense.

Moghalu also alleged that a commissioner was caught on camera buying votes in his constituency. The Labour Party candidate’s claims highlight concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Nigeria. The use of financial incentives to influence voter behavior is a violation of the country’s electoral laws and undermines the democratic process.

The Anambra State governorship election was held on Saturday, with various candidates vying for the top position. The election was marked by reports of vote-buying and other irregularities, which have raised concerns about the credibility of the outcome. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has faced criticism for its handling of the election, with some stakeholders calling for greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

Moghalu’s allegations have significant implications for the electoral process in Nigeria, highlighting the need for greater efforts to prevent vote-buying and ensure the integrity of elections. The incident also underscores the challenges faced by candidates who refuse to engage in corrupt practices, as they may be at a disadvantage in terms of financial resources. As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of electoral integrity, it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to Moghalu’s allegations and work to prevent similar incidents in future elections.