The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Anambra State, Nicholas Ukachukwu, has raised concerns over alleged vote buying and intimidation of his party agents during the ongoing 2025 Anambra governorship election.
Ukachukwu, who cast his ballot at Osumenyi Ward 2, Polling Unit 012, described the development as a “threat to democracy.”
“If there’s no seller, there cannot be a buyer. Some people have chosen to sell their conscience, which is even worse than those buying votes. When you give up your right for money, you lose your voice as a citizen. You can’t cry later, society must be blamed for encouraging this,”
— Ukachukwu said after voting.
He also alleged that one of his polling agents was assaulted during the exercise, calling it “a form of bullying.”
“There have been incidents where people are being beaten up. It’s a form of bullying, and though it may seem right to some today, power changes hands. God gives power to whomever He chooses,” he stated.
On the situation in Ihiala, one of the state’s known flashpoints, Ukachukwu said there had been no major outbreak of violence or casualties so far.
“So far, there’s been no report of any death or serious unrest,” he noted, adding that “There are always tensions during elections, but for now, it’s largely calm.”
Meanwhile, traffic disruptions were reported in Onitsha, where security operatives cordoned off the Niger Bridge to restrict vehicular movement and ensure the safe transport of election materials and personnel.
Voting continued across Anambra’s 21 local government areas, with more than 5,700 polling units open. By 8:30 a.m., accreditation and voting had commenced peacefully in areas such as Fegge Community Primary School, Onitsha.
In Aguata Local Government Area, some traders initially opened shops at Nkwo Igboukwu Market, but market leaders later ordered a closure to encourage participation in the electoral process.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, urged strict adherence to electoral guidelines, warning that “no excuses for failure will be accepted.”
The Commissioner of Police for the election, Abayomi Shogunle, also assured residents of adequate security, confirming that threats in high-risk areas such as Ihiala had been “neutralised.”
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 2,802,790 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots across 5,718 polling units in the state’s 21 local government areas.
The election features 16 candidates across three senatorial districts. Major contenders include Governor Chukwuma Soludo (APGA), Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC), Paul Chukwuma (YPP), George Moghalu (LP), and Jude Ezenwafor (PDP)
