The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned the conduct of the November 8, 2025 Anambra State governorship election, describing it as a “cash-drenched spectacle” that mocked the principles of democracy.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the incumbent governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, of engaging in massive vote buying during the election.
The ADC alleged that the poll, which saw Governor Soludo re-elected with a landslide victory, was characterized by widespread distribution of money to voters at polling units across the state. The party also faulted security agencies and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for allegedly turning a blind eye to the malpractice.
According to the statement, “What unfolded in Anambra was, regrettably, a cash-drenched spectacle that was more of a bazaar than an election. This undermines the very essence of democracy.”
The ADC said that the widespread use of money in the Anambra election was a clear indication that Nigeria’s democracy is being distorted by corruption and desperation for power. The party lamented that the process had become “cash-and-carry,” where voters are treated as commodities rather than citizens with conscience and choice.
“Bundles of Naira notes changed hands in full view of the public, while those entrusted with safeguarding the process looked the other way,” the party said. “This is not democracy; it is a market transaction.”
Mallam Abdullahi also accused the security agencies of failing to prevent intimidation of voters or the open display of cash meant to influence voting behaviour. “Security operatives stood by as voters were harassed and compromised, while electoral officials failed to uphold basic standards,” he said.
The Anambra governorship election was widely reported as one of the most peaceful in recent years, with Governor Soludo securing an overwhelming 73 percent of the total votes cast, winning in almost all local government areas. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), in its reaction, had hailed the result as “a referendum on performance” and a testament to the governor’s popularity and reforms.
However, opposition parties, including the ADC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have questioned the credibility of the process. They argued that the widespread distribution of money to voters overshadowed the integrity of the ballot.
In its statement, the ADC warned that the credibility of future elections, including the 2027 general elections, could be at risk if the Independent National Electoral Commission fails to take decisive steps to curb vote buying and enforce electoral laws.
“If the 2027 elections are conducted in the same manner as what happened in Anambra, Nigerians should be worried about the future of democracy,” the party said. “When elections are bought, leadership loses its legitimacy, and the people lose faith in the system.”
The ADC urged INEC to adopt stronger measures to ensure financial transparency during elections, including closer monitoring of campaign spending and more visible enforcement of existing electoral laws.
It also called for collaboration between INEC, security agencies, and civil society groups to detect and prevent vote buying at polling units. The party insisted that the use of money to influence elections remains one of the biggest threats to Nigeria’s democratic development.
Despite its dissatisfaction with the Anambra poll, the ADC reiterated its commitment to promoting leadership rooted in integrity, inclusion, and service. The party said it would continue to champion policies that prioritize good governance and transparency.
“We will not be discouraged by this setback,” Abdullahi said. “Our commitment is to build a Nigeria where elections are determined by ideas, vision, and competence — not the crude exchange of cash for votes.”
The party called on Nigerians, especially young voters, to reject the culture of vote selling and to demand accountability from political leaders. “When we sell our votes, we sell our future. The power of change lies in the ballot, not in the money handed out on election day,” the statement said.
Vote buying has remained a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s electoral system. Despite several interventions by INEC and anti-corruption agencies, enforcement remains weak, and political parties often exploit poverty and unemployment to buy voter loyalty.
The ADC’s criticism adds to growing calls for electoral reforms that will make it more difficult for politicians to use money as a tool of manipulation. Analysts have urged the National Assembly to strengthen the provisions of the Electoral Act to criminalize both the giver and receiver of monetary inducements during elections.
