Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has come under intense criticism following his announcement that each ward that secures victory for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the forthcoming November 8 governorship election would receive ₦1 million as a reward.

The governor made the statement during a campaign rally in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area, describing the promise as a “motivational incentive” for his party supporters to deliver victory at the polls.

However, the remark has drawn widespread backlash from opposition parties, civil society organisations, and election observers, who described it as an open endorsement of vote-buying.

ALSO READS: HURIWA Urges Soludo to Focus on Protecting, Not Eliminating Citizens

Opposition Parties React

The All Progressives Congress (APC) condemned the governor’s statement, accusing him of attempting to manipulate the electoral process through financial inducement.

APC’s South-East National Vice Chairman, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, said Soludo’s comment violated the Electoral Act and the spirit of fair competition.

“Governor Soludo’s promise is a clear case of vote-buying, no matter how he tries to disguise it. We will petition INEC and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate this act,” Arodiogbu stated.

Similarly, the Labour Party (LP) expressed concern over what it called the “monetisation of democracy,” arguing that the move could erode public confidence in the electoral process.

LP’s spokesperson, Obiora Ifoh, said, “This is not motivation; it is manipulation. Leaders should inspire voters with good governance, not money.”

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also joined the outcry, describing Soludo’s pledge as “an unacceptable attempt to commercialise electoral loyalty.”

Civil Groups, Election Monitors Condemn Move

Reacting to the controversy, the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the governor’s statement.

CACOL’s Executive Director, Debo Adeniran, said the promise was “tantamount to vote-buying,” and warned that such practices could damage Nigeria’s democracy.

Election observer group YIAGA Africa also criticised the offer, noting that incentives tied to electoral performance constitute indirect vote-buying.

“Vote-buying is not only the exchange of cash at polling units. Any financial reward meant to influence electoral behaviour falls under that category,” said YIAGA’s Media Officer, Jennifer Dafwat.

Government Defends Soludo

In response to the criticisms, the Anambra State government dismissed the allegations as “misplaced and politically motivated.”

Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, defended the governor, insisting that the ₦1 million promise was a legitimate way to encourage party performance at the grassroots.

“Governor Soludo was simply motivating party members who work hard to ensure APGA’s success. It’s not vote-buying but recognition of effort,” Mefor said.

He added that the opposition was only “grasping for attention” ahead of the polls.

INEC Urged to Act

Several political observers have urged INEC to take a clear stance on the matter to discourage similar practices by other politicians.

Former Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Chairman, Yabagi Sani, warned that such comments, if left unchecked, could embolden candidates to openly trade money for votes.

“This is a dangerous precedent. Election motivation must not cross into illegality,” he said.

Public Reactions Mixed

On the streets of Awka, Nnewi, and Onitsha, opinions remain divided. While some residents see the governor’s offer as a harmless reward for party loyalty, others believe it undermines democracy.

A resident, Mrs. Ifeoma Okeke said “If a governor wants to appreciate party members, it should not be during an election season. This looks like buying votes.”

Another voter, Chinedu Nwosu, disagreed, saying,

“Every political party rewards its people differently. As long as the money isn’t given directly to voters, it’s not vote-buying.”

As Election Day Approaches

With the November 8 Anambra governorship election fast approaching, Soludo’s ₦1 million-per-ward comment has become one of the most talked-about political topics in the state.

Whether seen as motivation or manipulation, the promise has once again highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to draw the line between party mobilisation and electoral inducement.