- Allegations of open vote-buying mar Onitsha North 1 by-election in Anambra State.
- APGA and ADC reportedly offering cash to voters, with figures ranging from ₦5,000 to ₦10,000.
- Soludo and Peter Obi indirectly linked to the political battle as the contest intensifies.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) face off in the Onitsha North 1 State Constituency by-election in a financial showdown.
Reports retrieved by Eko Hot Blog from the field suggest that both parties are allegedly engaging in open vote-buying in several polling areas, particularly in Omagba and Osuma wards. Observers described scenes where party agents openly offered cash incentives to sway voters in favour of their respective candidates.
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The by-election, which seeks to fill the seat left vacant by the late Hon. Justice Azuka, has turned into a proxy political battle. While APGA is pushing to retain the seat and assert the influence of Governor Chukwuma Soludo ahead of the November governorship election, the ADC is backing Mrs Justina Azuka, the widow of the deceased lawmaker, who is reportedly enjoying support from top national figures.
One eyewitness, Mr. Ikechukwu Orji, said the process has been largely peaceful but marred by open inducements. “So far, the election is calm, there’s no violence. But we’ve seen agents in Omagba and Osuma giving out money openly. APGA is offering ₦10,000 per vote, while ADC is offering ₦5,000,” he stated.
Another voter who asked to remain anonymous claimed that the funds may be coming from Governor Soludo and Mr Peter Obi, suggesting that the candidates themselves would not have access to such financial resources.
Though authorities are yet to officially respond to the allegations, the development raises fresh concerns over electoral integrity, especially as Nigeria prepares for more crucial polls in the coming months.
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