The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, has revealed shocking details of her bold stand against electoral corruption in the state, claiming that she demanded a staggering N3 billion from politicians to rig the 2023 elections, a move that left some of the state’s wealthiest figures fleeing in shock.
Agwu’s remarks, which were made during a stakeholders’ dialogue held in Awka on January 24 and 25, shed light on the underworld of election manipulation in Anambra. The dialogue, themed “Rebuilding Trust in the Electoral Process and Elections,” aimed to provide a platform for meaningful discussions among key election and governance stakeholders.
Anambra’s Election ‘Purchasability’ Problem
In her address, Agwu said she had single-handedly “made elections unpurchasable” in Anambra, which had long been a state known for its corrupt election practices. “Every wealthy politician in Anambra desires to buy elections,” Agwu declared. However, according to her, they have not succeeded under her leadership.
“For the last three years, I have made it clear to politicians here: if you think your money can buy elections, you will have to pay a hefty price. I told them, if you are truly wealthy and think you can buy votes, then you’ll need N3 billion. Out of this, N1 billion would go to my staff and I would take my share, flying off to a Caribbean Island or somewhere else to enjoy the riches,” Agwu revealed with a grin.
She continued, “But because no one was willing to pay such an amount, I was able to conduct fair elections. I told the people of Anambra that their votes would count and nobody could stop that from happening.”
Agwu’s candid remarks about demanding a bribe to expose the electoral bribery culture were shocking, leaving political bigwigs in the room stunned.
A Record of Election Integrity
Dr. Agwu’s controversial claims were accompanied by her proud record as REC, where she has conducted three major elections in the state without accusations of malpractice. Her tenure has been marked by consistent efforts to ensure that every vote cast was counted fairly. “I have done three elections in Anambra and in every one, no one could buy the outcome,” she stated.
Her actions have created a ripple effect across the political landscape of Anambra, where entrenched interests in the electioneering process had long been entrenched. Politicians who previously expected to secure votes through financial leverage have been left scrambling, now forced to rethink their strategies.
“I told them I would make elections fair, even if it meant demanding money upfront. This was to show that these elections couldn’t be bought with money,” Agwu said, emphasizing her commitment to integrity.
The Road Ahead: A Call for Transparent Elections
Looking ahead, Dr. Agwu is already preparing for the upcoming by-election in Anambra South Senatorial District, following the tragic death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. According to her, the Senate had yet to formally notify the Anambra INEC office about Ubah’s passing, delaying the announcement of the by-election.
Despite the delay, Agwu assured that INEC is ready to conduct the election with the same level of transparency and fairness that Anambra residents have come to expect.
“We are fully prepared for the by-election in Anambra South and for the governorship election slated for November 8, 2025. I urge everyone, particularly politicians, to adhere to the rules as we head into these critical elections,” she said.
A Strong Stand Against Election Corruption
Her direct approach to exposing the system of electoral fraud has not come without its challenges. Agwu acknowledged the pressure she faces from both state and national political figures who seek to maintain control over the electoral process. Yet, she remains resolute in her mission to ensure that the will of the people prevails, regardless of external pressure.
“This is not just about me; this is about the integrity of the process,” Agwu emphasized. “If we do not change the narrative in Anambra, we are perpetuating a system that only serves the interests of a few, not the majority. My job is to make sure that the true winners of the elections are the ones who emerge, not those who have the fattest wallets.”
Public Reaction: A Mixed Response
While many in Anambra have praised Agwu’s bold actions, some critics remain skeptical. They argue that despite her best efforts, the system is still heavily skewed toward money-driven campaigns. “She may be trying to stop the rigging, but there are too many vested interests for one person to dismantle the whole corrupt network,” one anonymous political analyst noted.
Nevertheless, Agwu’s supporters have hailed her efforts, with one local resident, Nneka Uzo, stating, “For once, it feels like someone is putting the people first. It gives us hope that maybe things will finally change in Anambra.”
In the Face of Intimidation
Despite facing ongoing pressure from political forces in Anambra, Agwu has remained unflinching in her dedication to transforming the electoral process. She has repeatedly called for political leaders to focus on creating transparent systems rather than attempting to manipulate elections through financial power.
“As politicians, we must understand that the people have the power. The best candidate will win, not the one who spends the most money,” she remarked during her closing statements.
For now, Dr. Agwu’s stance against election rigging remains one of the few glimmers of hope for those who wish to see a shift toward a fairer electoral process in Nigeria’s southeastern region. As the Anambra State prepares for the forthcoming elections, the true test will be whether her words will be enough to protect the integrity of the vote.
But for Agwu, the mission is clear. “The days of buying elections in Anambra are over. If you want to win, you’ll have to do it the right way – with the people’s vote.”
