Soludo Offers N1m Per Ward Won in Anambra Election

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has ignited controversy by announcing a cash reward for wards won by his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), in the upcoming November 8 governorship election. Speaking at a campaign rally in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area, Soludo pledged to give party supporters N1 million for each ward they win. He cited a similar incentive used during the Senate campaign, when APGA won all wards in Orumba South and each received N1 million. Soludo said he would redeem the pledge the following week and added that the top three performing wards in the November 8 election would receive N5 million, N2 million and N1 million respectively.

The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and civil‑society groups, who describe it as a blatant attempt to induce voters and a violation of the Electoral Act. Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South‑East, accused Soludo of vote‑buying and abuse of office. Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to act, labeling Soludo’s promise a “public confession of vote‑buying.” The Labour Party also condemned the move, alleging that Soludo was exploiting poverty to influence voters, and said it would raise the issue at the next stakeholders’ meeting with INEC.

With 2.8 million registered voters and 16 political parties contesting the governorship seat, the election is expected to be closely watched. The controversy surrounding Soludo’s announcement highlights concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. The Electoral Act prohibits vote‑buying and other forms of electoral malpractice, and INEC is tasked with ensuring a free and fair election. As the vote approaches, it remains to be seen how Soludo’s pledge will affect the outcome and whether INEC will intervene to address the concerns raised by opposition parties and civil‑society organizations.