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Soludo Under Fire Over N1m-Per-Ward Election Promise
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.
Former Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Yobe State, promising to tackle insecurity and rebuild the state’s economy.
In a statement released Tuesday following a consultation meeting in the state, the retired police chief said his ambition is driven by a desire to restore peace, strengthen institutions, and accelerate development across all sectors.
Alkali pledged to “wipe out insurgency” and revive economic activities disrupted by years of insecurity, noting that his administration would prioritise intelligence-driven security and community partnerships.
“My vision for Yobe State is clear. I want a state where security is strengthened through intelligence and community partnership. I want a state where farmers can return to their farms with confidence, traders can move freely, and children can go to school without fear,” he said.
The former police boss emphasised his experience in national security management, stating that his years in public service have equipped him with the discipline and strategic thinking needed to govern effectively.
According to him, Yobe State requires leadership that understands security, institutional coordination, and human development, adding that insecurity has significantly hindered growth and deepened poverty in the region.
He also outlined plans to boost agriculture, expand infrastructure, and invest in education and youth empowerment. Alkali promised to provide microcredit support for women and equip young people with technical skills and startup kits to drive commerce and industry.
On healthcare, he pledged to combat child-killer diseases, including polio, and introduce free maternal healthcare services, as well as free medical care for children aged zero to five.
“Mothers will not die during childbirth, and children will live and thrive. They will go to school and graduate in a safe and secure environment,” he assured.
Alkali further stated that his administration would focus on inclusive governance, ensuring development reaches all local government areas without discrimination.
While expressing readiness to build on the achievements of the current administration, he maintained that governance must go beyond rhetoric and propaganda, stressing that it requires “vision, action, and the courage to make tough decisions.”
Bayern Munich have made a strong statement over the future of winger Michael Olise, with Vice-President Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insisting the club would reject even a €200 million offer for the player.
The comments, reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Monday, highlight Bayern’s long-standing policy of prioritising sporting stability over financial gain.
SEE ALSO: BREAKING: Chelsea Hit With £10.75m Fine, Transfer Ban
Rummenigge explained that the club’s position is rooted in a historic decision made in 2009, when Bayern received a massive bid from Chelsea for Franck Ribéry.
After internal discussions involving then CFO Karl Hopfner and former president Uli Hoeneß, the club chose to reject the offer — a decision that shaped its modern transfer philosophy.
According to him, that principle remains unchanged today.
He stressed that Bayern do not consider selling players who are essential to the team, adding that even a record-breaking €200 million bid would not change their stance on Olise.
The statement is expected to fuel further transfer speculation across Europe, but Bayern officials maintain that Olise is a key part of their long-term sporting project and not for sale.
Bayern Munich continue to uphold their “untouchable players” policy, while Michael Olise remains central to their squad plans.
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) has defended its position following the controversial ruling by the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board over the disputed 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Moroccan football authority said its appeal was strictly aimed at ensuring the proper application of competition rules, and not to question the sporting merit or performance of any team involved in the final.
The federation emphasized its commitment to fairness, transparency, and the stability of African football competitions, noting that its actions were guided by respect for established regulations.
ALSO READ: JUST IN: Senegal Stuns Hosts Morocco To Lift AFCON 2025 Trophy
“The Federation reiterates that its approach has always been grounded in respect for the rules and stability of African competitions,” the statement read.
FRMF also praised all participating nations in the tournament, describing the 2025 AFCON as a significant milestone in the growth and development of football across the continent.
However, the body revealed that a more detailed position would be made public after a scheduled meeting of its governing organs.
The statement is expected to further clarify Morocco’s stance and outline any possible legal or administrative steps moving forward.
The CAF Appeal Board’s decision has continued to generate widespread reactions among football stakeholders, with growing calls for clearer regulations, improved transparency, and consistency in the administration of African football.
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