APC Soludo cash reward probe as APC urges INEC and police to investigate Anambra governor over alleged voter inducement ahead of governorship election

APC Soludo cash reward probe has intensified political tension in Anambra State as the All Progressives Congress (APC) called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate Governor Chukwuma Soludo over his recent promise of cash rewards to supporters.

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The APC’s National Secretary, Ajibola Bashiru, made the call in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, alleging that Soludo’s pledge amounted to an attempt to influence voters through financial inducement rather than credible governance.

Soludo, who is also the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate, stirred controversy after pledging monetary incentives during a campaign rally held on October 25 in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area.

At the rally, the governor reportedly promised cash rewards to wards that deliver victory for APGA in the upcoming November 8 governorship election.

“When we were campaigning for the Senate, we knew we would win every ward in the South Senatorial Zone. We promised each winning ward ₦1 million — and we won all the wards in Orumba South.

For November 8, any ward that wins again will receive ₦1 million, while the top three performing wards will get ₦5 million, ₦2 million, and ₦1 million respectively,” Soludo was quoted as saying.

Reacting to the remarks, Bashiru condemned the governor’s comments, describing them as “a reflection of desperation and lack of confidence.”

“If he has been in office for over three years and cannot campaign on performance, it shows that he lacks credibility and needs to be voted out,” Bashiru said.

He further asserted that Soludo’s statements undermined electoral integrity and called on INEC to investigate the matter immediately. “The police must also scrutinise APGA’s campaign finances to ensure compliance with electoral laws,” he added.

However, Anambra State’s Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, dismissed the allegations, labelling the APC as “a pathetic opposition” in the state.

“The APC in Anambra does not exist — no councillor, no local government chairman, no Assembly or National Assembly member. They are only seeking relevance,” Mefor said.

He clarified that Soludo’s remarks were misrepresented, insisting that the governor’s promise was aimed at encouraging voter participation, not buying votes.

“Governor Soludo’s concern is low voter turnout. He is motivating all registered voters, regardless of party affiliation,” Mefor explained.

Mefor maintained that Soludo’s administration had delivered strong performance, noting that several communities had voluntarily contributed funds to support his re-election.

“Soludo doesn’t need to pay anyone to vote for him. People are eager to return him because of his record,” he said.

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The APC Soludo cash reward probe controversy comes just days before the Anambra governorship election, raising fresh questions about campaign ethics, electoral transparency, and the fine line between voter mobilisation and inducement.