APC Demands Probe As Soludo’s “Cash-For-Wards” Pledge Sparks Uproar In Anambra

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to initiate a thorough investigation into Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, over an alleged cash pledge to wards ahead of the state’s governorship election.

According to credible reports, the APC’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, raised the alarm following Governor Soludo’s public promise of financial rewards to wards that secure electoral victories for his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

It was gathered that during a campaign rally in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area, on October 25, Soludo, who is seeking re-election, announced a monetary incentive scheme for wards based on their performance at the polls. The governor reportedly said, “Any ward that APGA wins will receive ₦1 million, while the top three performing wards will get ₦5 million, ₦3 million, and ₦2 million respectively.”

The APC, however, contends that such a pledge constitutes an inducement capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process. Senator Bashiru criticized Soludo’s comments as “an act of desperation and a reflection of poor governance,” adding that, “A governor who cannot rely on his record of performance after three years in office should not seek re-election through questionable means.”

He further called on INEC to investigate the incident and issue a public caution against practices that could compromise the integrity of the polls. Bashiru also urged the police to examine APGA’s campaign finances for possible violations of the nation’s electoral laws.

Reacting to the allegation, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, dismissed the APC’s claims as baseless and described the party as a “pathetic opposition” with no political presence in the state. He maintained that Governor Soludo’s remarks were not intended to buy votes but to motivate voter participation across the state.

According to Mefor, “Governor Soludo has never promised money in exchange for votes. His statement was directed at all registered voters, irrespective of party lines, to encourage civic engagement in a state where voter turnout has been consistently low.”

The commissioner also defended the governor’s record in office, asserting that his performance alone is enough to secure a second term. “The people of Anambra are voluntarily supporting his re-election. Many communities have independently contributed millions to his campaign — something never seen before in the state’s political history,” he added.

As the Anambra governorship election approaches, the controversy surrounding Soludo’s remarks has stirred intense political debate. Analysts suggest that INEC and law enforcement authorities will now face mounting pressure to determine whether the governor’s pledge constitutes an electoral offence and whether adequate safeguards exist to ensure transparency and fair play in the upcoming polls.