The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the conduct of the Anambra State governorship election, describing it as a “cash-drenched spectacle” that undermined democratic principles.
In a statement posted on X on Sunday, November 9, by ADC National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed deep concern over what it called the monetization of the election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) the winner with 422,664 votes, while Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured 99,445 votes to place second.
Candidate of the ADC, John Nwosu, came distant fifth with 8,208 votes.
“The African Democratic Congress has observed the conduct of the just concluded 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 accused the incumbent and his party of engaging in “cash-for-votes” at polling units across the state.
“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.
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“At polling units across the state, bundles of naira notes changed hands in full view. This was a brazen violation of the Electoral Act,” he said.
The ADC also raised concerns over the role of security agencies and electoral officials, noting instances of inaction amid voter harassment.
“Even more troubling was the apparent silence — and in some instances, visible inaction — of institutions mandated to enforce 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,” Abdullahi added.
The party warned that such practices threaten the credibility of future elections in Nigeria.
“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, especially at a time when the state of our nation is under the microscope of the international community,” the statement cautioned.
Reaffirming its principles, the ADC pledged to continue advocating for integrity in leadership.
“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,” Abdullahi concluded.