The conduct of the 2025 Anambra governorship election in Nigeria was reportedly marred by alleged vote buying by different political parties, raising concerns about the election’s integrity.
Straightnews gathered that allegations of massive vote buying trailed Saturday’s conduct of the governorship election in the state, where 15 political parties slugged it out with the incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who contested for and won re-election under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Though agents of political parties were said to be discreet about the payment for votes cast for their parties, they armed with POS machines were seen transferring cash to voters.
Also read: Anambra Polls: Tinubu Hails Soludo over Re-election, Praises His Leadership
It was reported that in some polling units in Awka South Local Government Area, it was observed that canvassers of various parties secretly lobbied for votes, with eagle eyed agents positioning in places where they could find out the party voted for by an electorate before parting with money to them.
It was discovered that two political parties – APGA and APC – majorly participated in vote buying.
ARISE News reporter said ‘‘In polling units around Awka South, while APGA gave out N5,000 to voters as inducement, APC gave as much as N10,000. In a polling unit at Odoagba, Awka South, agents of APC were said to have retreated from giving out money, after giving to only a few persons. The development almost caused fracas, as some voters challenged the agents, saying they were attempting to keep the money back for themselves.’’
Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programs, Yiaga Africa alleged that canvassers moved about different polling booths with POS machines transferring cash to voters.
Mbamalu who spoke with ARISE News interviewer on Monday affirmed that she saw them collecting bank account numbers from voters and transferring money to them.
Collaborating the story, Sam Itodo, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, described vote buying as one of the biggest threats to Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the political class continues to weaponise poverty to influence voters’ choices.
Itodo, who spoke during an interview on ARISE News Sunday, said Nigeria’s electoral progress remains slow because of systemic manipulation by politicians and persistent voter apathy.
“This election has demonstrated that we have a political class that continues to weaponise poverty and will do everything possible to influence voting choices,” Itodo said.
“In the Anambra elections, we clearly saw instances of vote buying, with votes sold for as high as ₦10,000 to ₦15,000 from our observation.”
He revealed that Yiaga Africa, in partnership with six other civic organisations—including the Kukah Centre, Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund, PAF Africa, International Press Centre, Centre for Media and Society, and Electa—deployed 711 observers across Anambra State during the election.
“Each of these organisations reported cases of vote buying,” he said. “In some places, cash was deployed directly to polling units. In others, POS machines were used. There were also political agents taking records of voters for post-voting inducement.”
Itodo criticised the lack of accountability, noting that despite widespread malpractice, the EFCC arrested only three suspects.
“If all stakeholders agree there was massive vote buying, then there’s a great need for accountability,” he stressed.
The Yiaga Africa boss also expressed concern over the persistently low voter turnout across Nigeria.
“In the 2021 Anambra election, only 10% of registered voters showed up. This time, we saw about a 10% increase,” he noted. “Between 2021 and 2025, all we’ve gained is 10% growth. That should spark a national conversation about voter turnout.”
He warned that Nigeria’s declining participation rate — just 25% in the 2023 general elections** — undermines the legitimacy of its democracy.
“If citizens are not showing up to exercise their franchise, it says a lot about the health of our democracy,” he said. “Even when INEC and security agencies have done their part, the missing link might be voter education and poor political messaging.”
Vote buying
Speaking on the wide spread of vote buying during the election, Anambra governor, Prof. Soludo who voted in his Ofiyi Square, polling unit 002, Isuofia in Aguata Local Government Area.
He said: “We have also received reports about Nnewi South Local Government Area, where someone was sharing N15,000 for each vote, maybe because he is desperate to win in that local government.
“I heard it and I said, don’t mind. Even if they share N100,000, let the people just vote and let the votes count. We are fairly convinced that on the basis of one man one vote, we are going to win landslide, there is not question about that.”
Peter Obi speaking on same subject after voting at polling units 019, Umudim Akasi, Agulu ward two, Anaocha Local Government Area said: “Our democracy is deteriorating, and unfortunately, those who are benefiting from bad governance seem to be fueling it.
“I have been able to listen and move around to see what is happening, and it’s bad that we still experience vote buying. Some one who is not employed will collect N30,000 for his vote, that means you have sold your school, your hospital, your job opportunities and selling away your future, and that is what is very worrisome about our democracy.
“Other countries, even West African countries that are close to us where I have observed election, I haven’t seen something like this happening. This must stop.”
On his part, the Senator representing Anambra Central zone, Senator Victor Umeh called for arrest of people buying votes, saying they are enemy of the state.
He said: “Anyone who thinks the only way to get to office would be through rigging and buying of votes, the person would be the enemy of the state and enemy of Nigeria.
“Vote buying has been outlawed critically and clearly. During the August 16 by-election, there was so much report of vote buying, but the people who are selling their votes should know you are selling your right to complain.
“I don’t know how much money you will be paid that will be enough to last for four years. Anyone that collects money today, it will still not last two days and it will finish, and you will lose your right to complain.
“Those of us who are in the national Assembly, we see the mood of the nation, and it is not us that will change Nigeria, the citizens of Nigeria will change Nigeria, through the actions they take. They are the people who elect leaders, so if they collect money to vote someone they don’t trust, they have ruined themselves and their families.
“If there are evidence of vote buying, and if they are proven, those behind it should be arrested. The proper thing to do is to look at the candidates objectively and vote for them. If we do so, we would be helping to deepen democracy in the country.”
