Anambra Poll: APGA Rejects Vote-Buying Claims, Affirms Soludo’s Legitimate Victory

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has dismissed allegations that it engaged in vote buying during the November 8 Anambra governorship election, insisting that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s victory reflects genuine public support.

APGA National Chairman Sly Ezeokonwa, speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, described the claims as “shocking,” stressing that the party lacked the financial resources to manipulate voters. He said the success of the party came from the widespread approval of Soludo’s developmental initiatives rather than monetary inducements.

Ezeokonwa explained that the campaigns were largely community-driven, with residents across 179 communities and 326 wards organizing events, raising resources, and inviting the governor to showcase his achievements. “Communities rented canopies and stages, raised funds, and invited the governor to speak about his impact. That is what I call ownership,” he said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed Soludo’s win on Tuesday by issuing him a certificate of return, officially marking him as the re-elected governor. Soludo, the APGA candidate, polled 422,664 votes, defeating Nicholas Ukachukwu of the APC with 99,445 votes and Paul Chukwuma of the YPP with 37,753 votes. Sixteen political parties participated in the election, with 595,298 votes cast from 598,229 accredited voters.

Ezeokonwa concluded that APGA’s victory proves that development-focused governance can generate political support without financial inducements, challenging the idea that electoral success depends on money and reinforcing the importance of connecting with grassroots communities.

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