The ongoing Anambra State governorship election has been hit by allegations of voter inducement, with some residents in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, claiming they were given small amounts of money after casting their votes.
In an exclusive, off-camera interview with the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), one disgruntled voter narrated how an announcement was made urging people to come out and vote at the Central School, Obosi, after a slow start to the day.
“We heard the announcement and many of us came out to do our civic duty,” the voter stated. “To our surprise, after voting, we were given just ₦1,000. The amount is too small for the stress we went through.”
In a related development at Nteje Ward 1, a first-time voter, 21-year-old Chinyere Aniwetalu, openly admitted to being paid to vote. While expressing excitement about finally using her Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), she confirmed the incident to journalists but refused to disclose the exact amount or the political party involved.
“I was paid to vote,” Chinyere stated simply, highlighting a concerning trend in the electoral process.
INEC officials at various units reported a smooth voting process that commenced as early as 8:00 a.m., with vote sorting underway by midday. Despite this, the claims of financial inducements have cast a shadow over the electoral exercise where APGA’s candidate, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, is a top contender.
