Soludo’s N1m pledge aims to boost voter turnout — APGA

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has defended Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s promise to reward wards that secure victories for the party in the upcoming November 8 governorship election, describing it as a strategy to boost voter participation rather than a case of vote-buying.

Sunday PUNCH had earlier reported that Soludo, who is also APGA’s governorship candidate, drew mixed reactions after announcing the incentive during a campaign rally in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area, on Saturday.

During the event, Soludo stated,

“When we campaigned for the Senate, we promised incentives to every ward that delivered victory for APGA, and we fulfilled it. Any ward that APGA won received ₦1 million, and we won all the wards in Orumba South.

This time, for the November 8 election, any ward that wins again will receive ₦1 million, while the top three performing wards will get ₦5 million, ₦3 million, and ₦2 million respectively.”

The announcement sparked criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups, who accused the governor of violating the Electoral Act through inducement.

However, in a statement released on Sunday, APGA’s National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, dismissed the allegations, insisting the initiative was meant to tackle voter apathy and encourage healthy competition among party members.

Opara explained that the cash incentive was a motivational strategy to increase voter participation, not a bribe to sway votes.

He said,

 “If you examine elections in Anambra over the years, you’ll notice a troubling trend of voter apathy. For example, in 2021, Anambra had about 2.7 million registered voters, yet fewer than 200,000 participated in that election.

This initiative is designed to create friendly competition among our members at the ward and local government levels — to get more people to vote, not to buy votes.”

He emphasized that APGA remains the dominant political force in Anambra and does not need inducement to win elections.

“Everyone knows that APGA doesn’t need to buy votes to win. Remember the woman from Ukwulu who refused cash inducement to vote for another party? Ndi Anambra are principled and cannot be bought,” Opara added.

He further explained that the party seeks not only victory but also massive voter turnout to achieve its one-million-vote target in the upcoming election.

 “We are working to fully mobilize our supporters and use our electoral strength effectively. Healthy competition among wards is key to achieving that goal,” he said.

Opara concluded that those criticizing the initiative may be benefiting from voter apathy, which APGA intends to eliminate through active engagement and participation.

A total of 16 candidates from various political parties will contest in the November 8 governorship election, where Soludo will seek re-election as Anambra State governor.