The All-Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in Anambra State governorship election, Mr Nicholas Ukachukwu has alleged widespread vote buying during the Saturday polls.
Ukachukwu made the allegation in an interview shortly after casting his vote at Polling Unit 012, Umudimala Amaihe Hall, Osumenyi in Nnewi South Local Government Area of the state.
Similarly, an Election Observer from the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, Ms Dimma Nwobi has raised concerns over vote buying and security lapses at some polling units in Nnewi South.
Nwobi while speaking with newsmen at Nnewi South Area during Saturday’s governorship election, described as disturbing practice where party operatives were collecting voters’ cards, with INEC officials providing forms to vote which were then handed back to party agents to deposit in the ballot boxes.
“They are actually buying votes, negotiating. It is sad,” Nwobi said.
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She also reported that a party agent visibly upset about the situation was shouting at an INEC official.
On security, Nwobi pointed out that only one policeman was assigned to four polling units at a local school, which she deemed insufficient.
“I have escalated the matter to our Situation Room so that more policemen can be deployed to the school,” she added.
Ukachukwu specifically accused the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) of vote buying across all polling units.
“From what I have been hearing, there has been reports of hitches and security challenges but largely, there have been vote buying.
“That has become the biggest menace that will witch hunt this country to a standstill. It will come to a point where leaders, who have the opportunity to be in power, will not be able to do anything,” he said.
Ukachukwu said that from one or two places that his people had visited, there were many things going on, including vote buying.
“It is a collective treasury that has been looted and given back to people to get back their mandate. It is a bad thing that everybody should condemn.
“So far, there has been no report of death or any major incidence of mishap,” he added.
The APC governorship candidate called for collective condemnation of what he called a bad practice, urging security agencies to live up to their responsibility of curb electoral fraud.
He also claimed that one of his party agents was beaten up in Utuh in Nnewi South Local Government Area.
Ukachukwu, however, said that exercising his civic right was a proof that he was qualified to vote and be voted for.
In spite of the vote buying allegations, he expressed the confidence that his party would win the election.
“I believe God that winning is still possible because the day is still young,” he stated.
Ukachukwu commended INEC for the early arrival of materials and officials, which he said had improved the electoral process in the state.
NAN
