The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called for an urgent investigation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police into Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s recent pledge of cash incentives to electoral wards that deliver victories for his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), in the upcoming governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 9.

The controversy stems from remarks made by Governor Soludo during an October 25 campaign rally in Umunze, Orumba South, where he promised N1 million to each ward that secures a win for APGA, with additional bonuses of up to N5 million for top-performing areas. APC leaders have condemned the pledge as a blatant attempt at vote-buying, while Soludo’s camp insists the initiative is aimed at boosting voter turnout in a state historically plagued by low participation.

APC National Secretary Ajibola Bashiru described the governor’s comments as “a reflection of desperation and lack of confidence,” arguing that Soludo’s three-year record in office has failed to inspire voters. “INEC should probe this and warn against such conduct; police must investigate APGA finances,” Bashiru told Sunday PUNCH, asserting that the incentives amount to inducement rather than genuine political achievement.

Governor Soludo, who is seeking re-election under APGA’s banner, defended the pledge as consistent with previous reward schemes used during Senate campaigns. “We promised... and next week, we will redeem it,” he said, citing the need to energize voters after the last election saw fewer than 200,000 ballots cast from a pool of 2.7 million registered voters.

Anambra State Information Commissioner Law Mefor dismissed APC’s allegations as “pathetic,” accusing the opposition party of irrelevance in the state’s political landscape. “Soludo didn’t offer rewards to vote for him, but to all registered voters regardless of affiliation,” Mefor clarified, pointing to community contributions to the governor’s campaign as evidence of grassroots support. “People want to return him for performance; APGA is unassailable.”

The dispute highlights the entrenched dominance of APGA in Anambra politics. Following a clean sweep in the 2021 elections, APC currently holds no seats in the state assembly or local councils. While INEC and the police have yet to issue formal statements, the pledge has reignited debates over electoral inducement and campaign ethics.

As the election approaches, APC continues to press for institutional scrutiny, while APGA remains confident of a landslide victory. Mefor emphasized that Soludo’s “unprecedented” governance record will speak louder than opposition criticisms.