The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the conduct of the Anambra State governorship election, describing it as a “cash-drenched spectacle” that undermined democratic rules.
In a press release posted on X on Sunday, November 9, by ADC National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the occasion expressed deep concern over what it known as the monetization of the election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) the winner with 422,664 votes, whereas Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured 99,445 votes to put second.
Candidate of the ADC, John Nwosu, got here distant fifth with 8,208 votes.
“The African Democratic Congress has observed the conduct of the just concluded Anambra gubernatorial election with a deep sense of concern for the electoral process in Nigeria.
“What unfolded in Anambra was, regrettably, a cash-drenched spectacle that was more of a bazaar than an election. This undermines the very essence of democracy,” the assertion learn.
Abdullahi accused the incumbent and his occasion of participating in “cash-for-votes” at polling models throughout the state.
“We wish to state categorically that, as has been widely reported and clearly shown to Nigerians and the international community, this election was highly monetized, with the incumbent and his party seen to have participated in several forms and styles of cash-for-votes.
READ ALSO: Anambra Poll: Tinubu Congratulates Soludo on Re-election, Pledges Stronger Support
“At polling units across the state, bundles of naira notes changed hands in full view. This was a brazen violation of the Electoral Act,” he mentioned.
The ADC additionally raised issues over the function of safety businesses and electoral officers, noting situations of inaction amid voter harassment.
“Even more troubling was the apparent silence — and in some instances, visible inaction — of institutions mandated to enforce electoral integrity.
“Security operatives stood by as voters were harassed and compromised, while electoral officials, overwhelmed or indifferent, failed to uphold even the most basic standards,” Abdullahi added.
The occasion warned that such practices threaten the credibility of future elections in Nigeria.
“If this is the manner in which INEC intends to conduct the 2027 general election, then Nigerians have every reason to be worried about the future of our democracy, especially at a time when the state of our nation is under the microscope of the international community,” the assertion cautioned.
Reaffirming its rules, the ADC pledged to proceed advocating for integrity in management.
“On our part, the ADC remains committed to building a Nigeria where leadership is earned through integrity, inclusion, and service — not through the crude exchange of cash for votes,” Abdullahi concluded.
