Anambra election: Governor Soludo’s cash promise aimed at tackling voter apathy, not vote buying – press secretary

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By Sunny A. David, Awka 

The Press Secretary to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Mr. Christian Aburime, has clarified that the Governor’s recent pledge to reward political wards where the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) performs well in the upcoming November 8, 2025, governorship election was not an act of vote buying but a strategy to combat voter apathy.

Aburime made the clarification in response to allegations by opposition parties suggesting that the Governor’s statement amounted to vote buying.

According to the Press Secretary, Soludo’s remarks were intended to encourage active political participation among party members and ensure higher voter turnout, not to induce voters.

“It is important to consider the context of the Governor’s statement. The incentives mentioned by Governor Soludo are legitimate and consistent with democratic principles,” Aburime explained.

He emphasized that the Governor’s goal was to motivate APGA canvassers to mobilize voters and ensure their participation on election day.

While addressing supporters at a rally, Soludo had urged them not to assume victory was guaranteed, saying:
“Don’t sit at home and say Soludo has won. We have to win when you have voted. APGA stands for one man, one vote, and we are committed to a transparent, free, and fair election. We will cooperate with INEC to ensure this election is the freest and most credible ever conducted.”

Aburime compared the planned incentives to a company rewarding its marketers for excellent performance, stressing that it was a post-election motivation for party workers, not a pre-election inducement for voters.

“Party members make up less than five percent of the voting population,” he noted. “The incentive is meant for canvassers who will work to mobilize voters. In many democracies, including the United States, political parties pay canvassers for their efforts before elections. In our case, the reward comes only after the election — and only if their wards win.”

He reaffirmed Soludo’s commitment to a free and credible electoral process, noting that the governor had consistently called for cooperation with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparency and fairness.

“The real challenge is voter apathy,” Aburime added. “Governor Soludo’s plan is designed to inspire canvassers to engage the electorate and encourage participation. 

“The allegation of vote buying is baseless and misleading. These incentives are about rewarding hard work and promoting voter engagement.”