By George Ozalla
The recent concluded bye-election last saturday in Anambra State has been marred by controversy, with allegations of widespread vote buying and claims of a major political party’s exclusion from the polls. According to a press statement signed bye Arc. Okey Chukwuogo, Director-General of Dr. George Moghalu and Hon. Mrs. Ifeoma Okaro’s campaign organization, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s claims of defeating the Labour Party in the election are baseless and misleading.
The Labour Party did not participate in the bye-election due to exclusion by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Despite this, voters in several polling units openly demanded to vote for the Labour Party, demonstrating the party’s strong presence and influence in the state.
The press statement also condemned the alleged widespread vote buying witnessed during the election, with reports indicating voters received up to ₦30,000 each. This, according to the statement, proves APGA’s desperation and lack of genuine popular support. The campaign organization questioned the credibility of Soludo’s victory, achieved through alleged vote buying, and criticized his government’s failure to address pressing issues like security, infrastructure, and job creation.
