ADC faults Anambra poll, says exercise was ‘cash-drenched spectacle’

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed deep concern over the conduct of the just concluded Anambra State governorship election, describing the exercise as a “cash-drenched spectacle” that undermined the spirit of democracy.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the election was characterized by massive vote buying, with the process resembling “a bazaar rather than a democratic contest.”

“The ADC observed the conduct of the Anambra gubernatorial election with a deep sense of concern for the electoral process in Nigeria. 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,” the statement read.

Abdullahi alleged that the exercise was “highly monetized,” with reports and evidence showing that the incumbent and his party engaged in several forms of cash-for-votes. According to him, bundles of naira notes exchanged hands at polling units across the state in clear violation of the Electoral Act.

He further lamented the “apparent silence and visible inaction” of agencies responsible for safeguarding electoral integrity. “Security operatives stood by as voters were harassed and compromised, while electoral officials, overwhelmed or indifferent, failed to uphold even the most basic standards,” he said.

The ADC Spokeperson warned that if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues on this path, the credibility of the 2027 general elections would be in jeopardy. “If this is the manner in which INEC intends to conduct the 2027 general election, then Nigerians have every reason to be worried about the future of our democracy,” he said.

Abdullahi reaffirmed ADC’s commitment to building a nation where leadership is earned through integrity, inclusion, and service — not through “the crude exchange of cash for votes.”

He urged relevant authorities to investigate the widespread reports of vote trading and ensure that those responsible face appropriate sanctions to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.