ADC: Anambra Election heavily monetized

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the Anambra gubernatorial election, describing it as a heavily monetized process that undermined the very idea of democracy.

In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC accused the incumbent and his party of engaging in widespread cash-for-votes, while also criticizing the silence of security agencies and the inaction of electoral officials, which it said bordered on collusion.

ADC said it has observed the conduct of the Anambra gubernatorial election with a deep sense of concern for the electoral process in Nigeria, saying “What unfolded in Anambra was, regrettably, a cash-drenched spectacle that was more of a bazaar than an election. This undermines the very essence of democracy.

“We wish to state categorically that, as has been widely reported and clearly shown to Nigerians and the international community this election was highly monetized, with the incumbent and his party seen to have participated in several forms and styles of cash-for-votes.

“At polling units across the state, bundles of naira notes changed hands in full view. This was a brazen violation of the Electoral Act, whose foundation had been laid by the Governor himself well ahead of the election.”

ADC said even more troubling was the apparent silence and in some instances, visible inaction of institutions mandated to enforce electoral integrity, adding that “Security operatives stood by as voters were harassed and compromised, while electoral officials, overwhelmed or indifferent, failed to uphold even the most basic standards.”

The coalition said, “If this is the manner in which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) intends to conduct the 2027 general election, then Nigerians have every reason to be worried about the future of our democracy, especially at a time when the state of our nation is under the microscope of the international community.

“On our part, the ADC remains committed to building a Nigeria where leadership is earned through integrity, inclusion, and service not through the crude exchange of cash for votes.” the party said.