AWKA – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed allegations of widespread vote-buying during the recent Anambra State governorship election, labeling them unsubstantiated rumors.
The rebuttal from the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Queen Elizabeth Agwu, came after several candidates, including APGA’s Chukwuma Soludo, alleged that voters were paid between ₦3,000 and ₦5,000 for their ballots. Agwu stated that INEC’s situation room received no verified reports of such incidents from its officials or accredited observers.
“To me, it remains a rumour, and rumours do not stand without proof,” Agwu declared during a television interview. She challenged those making the claims to provide concrete evidence. Despite INEC’s position, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the arrest of three individuals for suspected vote-buying in different local government areas.
