Fresh allegations of vote buying have surfaced at Polling Unit 15, Ama Ajana Square, in Anambra East Local Government Area, during the ongoing Anambra State governorship election.
According to reports from the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), voting at the unit has been relatively peaceful but marked by low voter turnout. However, observers raised concerns over alleged attempts by a party agent to influence voters with monetary inducements.
Witnesses said the agent was reportedly offering financial rewards to voters who supported a particular candidate. Some voters were heard complaining that similar promises made in past elections had not been fulfilled, while the agent allegedly assured them that “the money would soon arrive.”
The agent was also said to have compiled a list of voters believed to have already cast their ballots for the party. Journalists attempting to document the alleged incident were threatened, preventing them from identifying the political party involved.
Two security officers were present at the scene, alongside two Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs) and the Presiding Officer (PO), as election officials continued to manage the process under tense conditions.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has intensified air surveillance operations across the state as part of efforts to maintain peace and deter electoral malpractice.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the state police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the operation forms part of a comprehensive security strategy aimed at ensuring a peaceful, safe, and transparent electoral process across Anambra’s 5,718 polling units.
He assured voters that law enforcement agencies remain on high alert to prevent disruptions, enforce electoral laws, and protect both officials and citizens during the election.
