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Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has ignited a debate by promising a cash reward of ₦1 million for each ward his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), secures in the 2025 governorship election. This announcement has stirred concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, with critics questioning the ethics behind such a pledge.
Opposition voices, particularly from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have been quick to denounce the governor’s promise. John Nwosu, the ADC’s candidate, criticized the move, interpreting it as an attempt to sway voters through financial incentives rather than genuine political engagement. He argued that this strategy signals a lack of public confidence in Soludo’s administration.
Nwosu further claimed that the dissatisfaction among the people of Anambra is palpable, and that many are eager for a change in leadership. The opposition views the governor’s pledge as a maneuver to cover up for waning support and to cling to power through controversial means.
Opposition parties, led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its candidate John Nwosu, condemned the move.
Nwosu described the pledge as a sign of lost public confidence in Soludo’s leadership and a reliance on questionable political tactics. He added that the people of Anambra have expressed their disapproval of the current administration, reinforcing calls for change.
In response, APGA defended the pledge, arguing it is part of a legitimate strategy to mobilize voters and ensure electoral victory. Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to comment on the legality of the cash incentive.
As the November 8, 2025, governorship election approaches, this pledge has intensified political debates in Anambra State. Observers are monitoring the situation closely to assess its potential impact on voter behavior and the integrity of the election.
The incident underscores ongoing concerns about the fine line between campaign incentives and electoral malpractice in Nigerian politics.