Anambra guber: APGA-led govt coercing communities, groups for donations to Soludo, plotting to buy votes, ADC raises alarm
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the November 8 Anambra election, Chief John Nwosu, has accused the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) of plotting to buy votes and manipulate the forthcoming poll.
Nwosu urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and voters in the state to resist any form of inducement, alleging that the APGA-led government had been coercing communities and groups to make donations to Governor Charles Soludo’s campaign.
In a statement yesterday, Nwosu described the trend as a breach of the Electoral Act 2022 and a gross abuse of public trust.
“I’m aware of reports that some town unions and associations have made huge donations to Governor Soludo and APGA under the guise of supporting his campaign.
“If such donations are linked to inflated contracts or any form of quid pro quo, it amounts to corruption and criminal subterfuge, ”he said.
The ADC flag bearer also expressed concern that some cash-strapped local government councils were being pressured to contribute to the governor’s campaign, describing it as “a blatant display of official dishonesty and conflict of interest.”
He noted that most local governments in Anambra had little to show for the allocations they received from the Federal Government, accusing the state government of financial mismanagement.
“Concerned citizens have been calling to complain about these round-tripping donations.
“This culture of coercion and political manipulation will only deepen the governance crisis in the state, ”he added.
Nwosu assured that his administration would guarantee fiscal autonomy for local governments if elected, adding that “public funds must serve the people, not politicians.”
He also alleged that the ruling party had “gone rogue,” citing the level of vote-buying witnessed in recent by-elections.
“We condemn this open desperation to hoodwink voters.
“Those who sell their votes must remember that they are selling their future, their freedom and their democratic rights, ”Nwosu said.
The ADC candidate insisted that elections should be won through popular votes, not inducement or intimidation, and promised to deliver inclusive governance, if elected.
