Non-profit organisation Yiaga Africa has raised concerns over the prevalence of vote-buying in the recently concluded Anambra State governorship election.
Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes at the organisation, made the observation on Monday during an interview on Arise Television, monitored by Observers Times.
“Low voter turnout continues to make it easier for politicians to influence election outcomes through financial inducement and impunity, rather than genuine popularity,” Mbamalu said.
She added, “Votes are beginning to count, the official result announced is a reflection of the votes cast across the polling units, but the truth is that the votes that were counted are the votes that were bought. Politicians understand that the system is actually working, and so they invest a lot in spending as much money as possible.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier declared the incumbent governor, Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the winner of the poll.
Yiaga Africa’s assessment highlights systemic issues that could undermine the credibility of elections, particularly when low turnout and financial influence shape outcomes more than voter preference.
The organisation continues to call for reforms to strengthen electoral integrity and ensure that democratic processes reflect the genuine will of the electorate.
