The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra State, Queen Elizabeth Agwu, has denied reports of vote-buying during Saturday’s governorship election.
Agwu made the clarification in an interview on Channels Television’s News at 10 on Saturday, urging anyone making such allegations to provide verifiable evidence.
“When the two strongest candidates went to vote, they mentioned vote-buying. But like I said during voter education, anyone with such information should provide facts and figures.
“Vote-buying is a very serious offence and a legislative matter. If you want to accuse someone, give us evidence. You can’t just go on television and say there’s vote-buying everywhere without mentioning one place,” she said.
Although there were reports of delayed material distribution, voter intimidation, and alleged vote-buying in some locations, Agwu maintained that no such cases were reported to her situation room.
“For us who were in the situation room, I didn’t go to the field. I couldn’t have gone. I didn’t get information about the late arrival of materials, and I was monitoring all through. There was no report of delay anywhere,” she stated.
The REC added that neither INEC staff nor accredited observers, local or international, reported any verified cases of vote-buying.
“None of our staff or observers told me they saw any area where there was vote-buying. So, to me, it’s a rumour, and rumours don’t thrive with me,” she declared.
Agwu also refrained from commenting on voter turnout, noting that a final assessment could only be made after collation.
“I cannot talk of low voter turnout when the results are not fully collated. We’ll calculate turnout based on the results on ground. From what we saw in the situation room, there was heavy turnout in the early hours,” she said.
She commended the overall conduct of the exercise, citing timely logistics and effective security coordination.
“It was a very good outing. INEC deployed early in nearly all polling units. There was adequate security, the BVAS worked well, and voters turned out en masse,” she added.
Suspected Vote Buyers Arrested
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the arrest of three individuals for alleged vote-buying during the election.
The suspects — Emeka Ilokasia (Njikoka LGA), Nwachukwu Loretta (Oyi LGA), and Emuka Chuwudi (Dunukofia LGA) — were apprehended in different parts of the state.
According to the EFCC, the suspects will face prosecution once investigations are concluded.
“They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” the agency said.
Despite the peaceful atmosphere, multiple reports of vote-buying and voter apathy surfaced in some polling units.
Situation Room observer Dimma Nwobi confirmed the allegations, prompting EFCC operatives to intensify monitoring across the state. Minor BVAS malfunctions were recorded but did not disrupt voting.
Political Reactions
Governor Charles Soludo alleged attempts by unnamed political actors to manipulate the process, urging security agencies to remain vigilant.
Former Governor Peter Obi, who voted at Polling Unit 019, Umudim Akasi Agulu 2, Ward 8, cautioned voters against trading their votes.
“Those who sell their votes risk losing schools, hospitals, jobs, and their future. This must stop,” Obi said.
Other opposition candidates also raised separate allegations — ADC’s John Nwosu accused APGA of widespread vote-buying, while APC’s Nicholas Ukachukwu alleged voter inducement and intimidation of agents.
INEC Uploads 99% of Results
Security presence remained strong across major cities, including Onitsha, where the Niger Bridge was sealed to ensure safe movement of election personnel and materials.
Voting concluded peacefully in all 21 local government areas, with sorting and counting commencing around 2 p.m. in areas such as Amawbia, Awka South LGA.
As of 9:12 p.m., INEC had uploaded 99.09% of polling unit results on its Result Viewing Portal (IReV) — 5,668 out of 5,720 units.
The election featured 2,802,790 registered voters across 5,718 polling units, with 16 candidates contesting. Female participation included aspirants Ndidi Olieh (NRM) and deputy candidates Veronica Okaro (LP) and Faith Obi (ZLP).
Despite allegations of vote-buying and voter apathy, the Anambra governorship election concluded without reports of violence statewide.