Several parties and stakeholders have voiced concerns regarding potential rigging and vote-buying in the upcoming Anambra State governorship election, scheduled for November 8, 2025.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) alleged a plot to falsify polling unit results outside the state and replace genuine ones with altered results, further claiming that fake police officers would escort those carrying the fraudulent results. Governor Chukwuma Soludo cautioned against attempts to subvert the people’s will through electoral malpractice and urged APGA members and supporters to remain vigilant and defend their votes.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed concerns about vote-buying and the use of local government chairmen’s offices as collation centers, citing past experiences where opposition members were chased away and poll results were manipulated. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also voiced worries about vote-buying to manipulate the election. The Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) suggested expanding voting cubicles to prevent party agents from seeing voters’ choices, aiming to discourage vote-buying. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused Governor Charles Soludo of using public funds to influence voters. Civil society groups have raised concerns about the credibility of the election, urging proactive measures to ensure a free, fair, and transparent poll.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured that the election will be peaceful, credible, and transparent, citing extensive preparations and a commitment to non-violence. He has also warned against attempts to discredit the election. INEC has finalized key operational arrangements and secured logistics to ensure a smooth process. They have fine-tuned deployment plans for personnel and materials across the state’s polling units and collation centers. The Nigeria Police Force will deploy a significant number of personnel to secure the electoral process and has warned criminal elements against disrupting the election. INEC is committed to combating vote-buying and has warned that individuals attempting to subvert the will of the people will face legal consequences.
INEC is working with stakeholders and has emphasized transparency and partnership, taking measures to ensure full participation, including extending the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). Concerns have been raised regarding the neutrality of the Nigeria Police Force, the alleged use of non-state actors during the election, potential violence, and intimidation. Civil society groups are working to mobilize voters and increase voter turnout.
INEC has warned against vote buying, the use of thugs, and other electoral malpractices. The police have banned unauthorized security personnel and warned against any actions that could undermine the process.
