The Onitsha North 1 State Constituency by-election in Anambra has been overshadowed by allegations of massive vote buying, with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused of splashing cash to sway voters.
APGA is reportedly pushing to secure victory for its candidate as a replacement for the late lawmaker, Hon. Justice Azuka, while ADC is backing Azuka’s widow, Mrs. Justina Azuka, in the race.
Though considered a relatively small contest, the election has turned into a fierce battle. Governor Chukwuma Soludo is said to be using the poll to test his popularity ahead of the November governorship election, while ADC is keen to prove its strength, buoyed by the influence of its coalition leader, Mr. Peter Obi, who has openly backed Mrs. Azuka.
Reports from the Omagba area indicate that APGA agents were handing out as much as ₦10,000 per voter, while ADC was offering ₦5,000.
An eyewitness, Mr. Ikechukwu Orji, confirmed the practice, saying:
“So far the election is going well, I have not witnessed any violence, but in Omagba and Osuma wards, we have seen party agents openly canvassing for votes. APGA is paying ₦10,000 per vote while ADC is paying ₦5,000.”
Another source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the funds were being bankrolled by Governor Soludo and Peter Obi, claiming the candidates themselves could not afford such expenses.
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