AWKA, Nigeria — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, over reports that he allegedly promised financial rewards to voters during his campaign ahead of the November 8 governorship election.
According to reports, Governor Soludo, speaking at a rally of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area, on Saturday, October 25, 2025, purportedly pledged to give party supporters “millions of naira” if they voted for APGA at the polls.
In a statement released on Sunday, SERAP described the governor’s alleged comments as a “blatant violation” of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the country’s international anti-corruption obligations.
The organisation urged newly appointed INEC chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to refer the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) after conducting an internal investigation.
“Electoral bribery undermines the ability of INEC to discharge its responsibilities under Section 153 of the Nigerian Constitution and paragraph 15(a) of the third schedule of the Constitution, and the Electoral Act,” SERAP said.
The group warned that since Soludo is a candidate in the forthcoming election, there is a high risk that state resources could be diverted to influence the outcome of the vote.
“Electoral integrity is critical to a legitimate democracy. When the integrity of that process is compromised, the legitimacy of the government and public confidence in institutions are seriously undermined,” the organisation added.
SERAP described Soludo’s alleged statement as a “textbook case of vote-buying”, citing violations of Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Sections 121(1)(a)(c) and 127 of the Electoral Act 2022.
The organisation further referenced Nigeria’s obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), to which the country is a signatory, stressing that cash-for-votes tactics erode democratic credibility and deepen corruption.
