Soludo Addresses Allegations of Vote Buying Over Cash Rewards

Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has responded to allegations of vote buying related to his administration’s cash reward scheme. The governor spoke at a campaign rally in Awka South Local Government Area on March 6, 2024, where he clarified that the funds were intended to support party members actively engaged in canvassing efforts, rather than directly incentivizing voters.

During his speech, Soludo emphasized that the initiative was designed to reward efforts made by party workers, stating, “When we are giving incentives, incentives happen to be for our party men and women who are working hard, knocking door to door, trying to convince voters to go to the polling unit.” He highlighted that this group represents only a small fraction of the overall electorate, framing the initiative as a performance-based incentive rather than an attempt to influence voter behavior.

Soludo sought to dispel concerns surrounding the legitimacy of the scheme, insisting, “We are not paying anybody. We are only saying if the 2% succeed as canvassers in convincing voters to come and vote, we will reward them as an incentive to work harder. It’s not vote-buying; we’re not giving anybody shishi for voting.” His remarks came in response to growing criticism from opposition parties and civil society organizations, which argued that the cash rewards could undermine electoral integrity.

Opposition leaders have voiced strong objections to the cash incentive program, suggesting that it risks distorting the democratic process. Critics claim that such measures might create an environment where financial incentives overshadow genuine political engagement among voters. The Electoral Commission has yet to issue a formal response to the controversy.

Despite these criticisms, Soludo maintains that the cash reward initiative is a legitimate and necessary campaign tool aimed at mobilizing grassroots support ahead of the upcoming elections. He believes that incentivizing party workers can enhance voter turnout and participation, which he considers vital for a robust democratic process.

As the political landscape in Anambra State evolves, the implications of Soludo’s cash reward scheme remain to be seen. The governor’s commitment to transparency and accountability will be scrutinized as the election date approaches.