Investigate Soludo Over Cash Pledge to Supporters

APC calls for probe of Soludo’s cash-for-performance remarks ahead of election.
Soludo’s aide says the governor only aimed to encourage voter participation.
INEC and police face pressure to maintain transparency before Anambra polls.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to investigate Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, over an alleged inducement of voters ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the call was made by APC’s National Secretary, Ajibola Bashiru, in an interview with The Punch, following Soludo’s promise of cash rewards to wards that deliver victory for his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

During a campaign rally in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area on October 25, Soludo pledged monetary incentives to wards that perform well in the election. He stated, “When we were campaigning for the Senate, we knew we would win every ward in the South Senatorial Zone. We promised ₦1 million to any ward that APGA won, and we redeemed it. For November 8, any ward that wins again will get ₦1 million, while the first three performing wards will receive ₦5 million, ₦2 million, and ₦1 million respectively.”

The APC described the governor’s statement as a clear attempt to influence voters. Bashiru said, “This reflects desperation and lack of confidence. If a sitting governor must use money as motivation after more than three years in office, it shows he has failed to earn the people’s trust.”

He called on INEC to investigate the matter and issue a public warning, while urging the police to probe APGA’s campaign finances for possible breaches of electoral laws.

Reacting, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, dismissed the APC’s position, describing it as “a pathetic opposition” with no visible political presence in the state. He said Soludo’s comments were meant to boost voter turnout, not buy votes.

“Governor Soludo has not promised money to those who will vote for him but to all wards, irrespective of political affiliation. His concern is the poor voter turnout witnessed in past elections,” Mefor explained.

He further praised Soludo’s achievements, claiming that “communities in Anambra have voluntarily contributed millions to his re-election fund due to his performance.”

With the election just days away, the controversy has heightened political tension in the state, putting pressure on INEC and security agencies to ensure transparency and fairness in the polls.