The Anambra South Senatorial District bye-election held on Saturday was once unfortunately again marred by widespread reports of vote buying and violent disruptions, raising fresh concerns over the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
From polling units across the district, allegations poured in that virtually all the major political parties openly induced voters with cash. What was meant to be a contest of ideas and capacity quickly degenerated into a bazaar of financial transactions, where ballot papers were traded for naira notes.
Even more disturbing was the treatment meted out to the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, who was reportedly blocked against his wish after he apprehend a vote buyer in Osumenyi, Nnewi South LGA of Anambra state. A community leader in Osumenyi, Chief Mike Okafor, who spoke to newsmen after the incident described the incident as not only shameful and infantile but also a dangerous signal that criminal elements now feel emboldened enough to confront state authority in broad daylight.
Reacting to the incident that occurred in Osumenyi, the Deputy Governor described it as unfortunate, noting that he was held against his wish after nabbing a suspected vote buyer with evidence. He expressed dismay over the development, stressing that such actions undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
The Deputy Governor called for calm and urged all stakeholders to allow sanity to prevail in the system, emphasizing the need to protect democracy from the menace of vote buying and electoral malpractice.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo also raised alarm over worsening confrontation to government authorities .
Speaking after casting his vote at polling unit 002 (Ofiyi Square), Isuofia, Aguata LGA, Soludo accused the APC governorship candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, of leading thugs to harrass the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, at Ezinifite in Nnewi South LGA. Both men hail from the same community.
Describing the incident as unfortunate but predictable, Soludo wondered why a candidate would abandon his own polling unit to invade another community’s voting centre to subvert the will of the people. “I have just fulfilled my civic duty by casting my vote at my polling unit in Ofiyi 002, Isuofia, for today’s Anambra South Senatorial by-election. I commend INEC, and all stakeholders for their ongoing efforts to ensure a smooth and peaceful process as the election unfolds,” the governor said.
These developments call for deep reflection by both politicians and citizens. For the politicians, the desperation to secure electoral victory through the inducement of voters corrodes the democratic space and breeds leaders who are accountable only to their financiers, not to the people. For the electorate, the willingness to trade their votes for short-term peanuts risks mortgaging the future of their children and communities.
The Anambra South bye-election has once again shown that Nigeria’s democracy is at a crossroads. The time has come for citizens to look beyond immediate material gain and demand credible, competent leadership. Until this collective rethink takes place, elections will remain compromised, and the National Assembly will continue to reflect the interests of money bags rather than the true will of the people.