The Anambra State Government has clarified that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s recent comments promising rewards to political wards where the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) wins in the November 8 governorship election were intended to tackle voter apathy, not to buy votes.
Governor Soludo made the statement while addressing APGA supporters at campaign rallies, urging them to mobilize voters for the upcoming election.
However, opposition parties accused him of attempting to induce voters.
Reacting to the allegations, the governor’s Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, dismissed the claims as baseless, explaining that Soludo’s remarks were taken out of context.
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He said the governor’s promise was designed to encourage party members to participate actively in the election process and to motivate canvassers to get voters to the polls.
“It is essential to understand the context in which the statement was made,” Aburime said. “The incentives mentioned by the governor are legitimate and align with democratic practices. They are meant to encourage political participation, not to buy votes.”
‘Incentives Are for Canvassers, Not Voters’
Aburime likened the governor’s approach to that of a manufacturer rewarding marketers for performance, describing it as a legitimate motivational tool.
“Party members make up less than five percent of the total voting population,” he said. “These are the people who act as canvassers, mobilizing others to vote.
“Across the world, political parties support their canvassers during elections. In our case, the governor simply said that those who help the party win their wards will be appreciated afterward. This is not vote-buying,” he insisted.
Aburime stressed that the rewards would come after the election and would go only to registered party canvassers, not to voters.
“Governor Soludo has always been clear about his commitment to free, fair, and transparent elections,” he added. “He has called for full cooperation with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure credibility and fairness in the process.”
Soludo Reiterates Commitment to Credible Poll
During one of his campaign stops, Governor Soludo urged party members not to be complacent.
“Don’t sit at home and say Soludo has already won,” he said. “We must win through the ballot. APGA stands for one man, one vote, and a transparent, credible election. We’ll work with INEC to make sure this is the freest and most credible election ever conducted.”
Aburime maintained that the governor’s call was consistent with his long-standing advocacy for democratic transparency.
“The real issue here is voter apathy,” he said. “Soludo’s incentive plan is simply a way to get canvassers to engage the electorate and boost turnout. It is not an attempt to compromise voters.”
He concluded that allegations of vote-buying were politically motivated and misleading.
“Governor Soludo’s message is clear and principled,” Aburime said. “His intention is to reward the dedication of party canvassers and encourage greater voter participation, not to induce anyone’s vote.”
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.
