The Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the Anambra election, Dr George Moghalu, has raised concerns over alleged vote buying and low voter turnout in the ongoing governorship poll across the state.
Moghalu, who spoke to newsmen shortly after casting his vote at Uruagu Ward 1, Nnewi, said the widespread voter apathy reflected the public’s declining trust in the electoral process.
According to him, while voting appeared orderly and devoid of major technical glitches, the reported cases of vote buying had undermined the credibility of the exercise.
“I have not heard of any technical issues for now. As we continue to monitor the process, we’ll be able to confirm. In terms of organisation, there’s some improvement compared with previous elections,” he said.
The LP candidate, however, cautioned that monetising the voting process eroded fairness and encouraged political corruption.
“I can’t say it’s free and fair because if you monetise a process, you weaponise poverty. What’s free about it?” he queried.
Moghalu also lamented the low voter turnout, noting that it had become a recurring feature of elections in the state.
“There’s no doubt there is low voter turnout, and that has been the trend. It’s incumbent on INEC to continue improving the process because voter apathy is a manifestation of the people’s loss of confidence,” he said.
He stressed that his major concern was not just about winning but about ensuring a credible process that would deepen Nigeria’s democracy and guarantee political stability.
“I’m worried because it’s not about me but about the process that will create a stable environment and further strengthen our democracy,” Moghalu stated.
As voting continues across Anambra, 16 candidates from 16 political parties are contesting to unseat the incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
