Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have taken into custody three individuals accused of engaging in vote buying across various parts of Anambra State.
The suspects — Emeka Ilokasia, apprehended at Ward 2, Njikoka Local Government; Nwachukwu Loretta, arrested at Ward 2 (008), Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government; and Emuka Chuwudi, caught at Umunachi Village, Dunukofia Local Government — were arrested during the governorship election held on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
According to the EFCC, “They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”
The election, which began around 8 a.m., was largely peaceful across the 21 local government areas of the state. However, reports of vote buying and low voter turnout emerged from several polling units.
Dimma Nwobi, a Situation Room observer, confirmed incidents of vote buying, prompting the EFCC to intensify its monitoring operations. Although minor BVAS malfunctions occurred, the voting process proceeded smoothly across most polling units.
In a related development, incumbent Governor Charles Soludo alleged attempts by unnamed political actors to manipulate the election results and called on security agencies to remain alert.
Similarly, Peter Obi, former Anambra governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, who voted at Polling Unit 019, Umudim Akasi Agulu 2, Ward 8, cautioned voters against selling their votes, describing the act as “a trade-off for their future.”
Opposition figures also voiced concerns over alleged electoral irregularities. John Nwosu of the ADC accused the APGA of widespread vote buying, while Nicholas Ukachukwu of the APC alleged voter inducement and intimidation of party agents.
A heavy security presence was observed across major cities, including Onitsha, where the Niger Bridge was cordoned off to ensure the safe movement of election materials and personnel.
Voting concluded peacefully, and sorting and counting began around 2 p.m. in various polling units, including those in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area.
By Saturday evening, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had uploaded 98.99 per cent of polling unit results to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV). As of 9:12 p.m., results from 5,662 polling units had been uploaded out of 5,720 where voting occurred.
INEC data revealed that 2,802,790 registered voters were expected to participate across 5,718 polling units. A total of 16 candidates contested the election, including Governor Soludo (APGA), Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC), Paul Chukwuma (YPP), John Nwosu (ADC), and George Moghalu (LP).
Female candidates such as Ndidi Olieh (NRM) and six female deputy governorship aspirants, including Veronica Okaro (LP) and Faith Obi (ZLP), also featured in the race.
The exercise concluded without any recorded violence, though several observers and party agents reiterated concerns about vote buying and voter inducement.