Anambra By-Election: APGA, ADC Accused of Cash-for-Votes

The Onitsha North 1 State Constituency by-election in Anambra State has been marred by widespread allegations of vote buying, with reports claiming that both the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are engaging in financial inducements to sway voters.

The election, which follows the death of former lawmaker Hon. Justice Azuka, has pitched APGA against ADC in a contest viewed as a test of political strength ahead of the November governorship poll. While APGA is seeking to consolidate its grip by fielding a replacement for the late legislator, ADC is backing the deceased lawmaker’s widow, Mrs. Justina Azuka, in her bid to step into her husband’s shoes.

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Despite being considered a minor electoral contest, the poll has gained significance as Governor Chukwuma Soludo seeks to demonstrate popularity, while ADC, buoyed by support from former governor Peter Obi, is using the race to prove its relevance.

Eyewitnesses in Omagba and Osuma wards reported open cash inducements by party agents. According to one source, voters were being offered ₦10,000 each by APGA and ₦5,000 by ADC.

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“So far, the election is going well, I have not witnessed any violence, but here in Omagba and Osuma wards, we have seen party agents openly canvassing for votes,” said Mr. Ikechukwu Orji, a resident.

Another source, who declined to be named, alleged that the funding “is surely coming from both Soludo and Peter Obi,” insisting that the individual candidates lacked the financial capacity to bankroll such payments.