John Nwosu, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the November 8 Anambra election, has described reports of citizens donating to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s re-election campaign as “deeply worrisome.”
In a statement issued on Sunday, Nwosu said the practice raises serious questions about compliance with Nigeria’s electoral laws and moral standards.
“I am aware of reports that some groups and towns have made humongous donations to the candidate of APGA,” he said. “Such donations raise real concerns about compliance with the Electoral Act, morality, and the rule of law.”
He said while citizens have the right to support any candidate, any form of quid pro quo — such as inflated contracts or kickbacks disguised as campaign contributions — would amount to corruption and criminal manipulation.
Nwosu also criticised reports that some local governments were donating funds despite having “little to show” for their federal allocations.
“If cash-strapped local governments are donating millions to the governor’s campaign, that is a charade and a blatant display of official dishonesty,” he said.
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The ADC candidate accused the APGA-led government of attempting to buy votes and deceive the public.
“At no time in Anambra’s political history have we witnessed such open desperation to manipulate the voting public,” he said. “I urge the electorate to reject inducements and defend their democratic rights. Those who sell their votes are selling their patrimony, freedom, and future.”
He urged voters in Anambra to support the ADC for what he described as “a restoration of honesty, fairness, and people-centred leadership.”
Government Reacts
Reacting to Nwosu’s comments, Anambra Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, defended the donations, saying they were part of a voluntary “crowdfunding system” inspired by Governor Soludo’s model of “disruptive change.”
He said contributions from students, market groups, communities, and senatorial districts reflect the governor’s popularity across the state.
“It is different from the past when governorship candidates offered money to groups and communities in search of votes,” Mefor said.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
