The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied allegations of widespread vote-buying during Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra state.
The allegation was made by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who claimed that vote-buying occurred in some polling units in Nnewi South.
George Moghalu, candidate of the Labour Party, and Chioma Ifemeludike of the African Action Congress (AAC), also alleged that votes were being purchased for between ₦3,000 and ₦5,000.
However, speaking on Channels Television’s News at 10, Queen Agwu, resident electoral commissioner (REC) for Anambra, said no credible evidence had been presented to the commission.
Agwu said those making the allegations must present verifiable proof, adding that vote-buying is a serious offence and should not be alleged without specific details.
She said: “If you want to accuse someone, give us evidence. You can’t just go on television and say there is vote-buying everywhere without mentioning one place.”
Agwu said the commission’s situation room did not receive any confirmed report of vote-buying during the election.
She said INEC officials and accredited observers also did not report any verified cases of inducement.
She described the allegations as ‘rumour’, adding that the commission would not rely on unsubstantiated claims.
On voter turnout, the REC said it would be premature to conclude before final figures are collated., adding that the commission was satisfied with the logistics and security arrangements for the election.
She said the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) functioned well in most polling units.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.