Cynthia Ezegwu
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, Jake Epelle, has criticised Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, over his recent remark promising cash rewards to communities that deliver the highest votes for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the November 8 governorship election.
Epelle, who spoke on ARISE News on Tuesday, described the governor’s statement as “political rascality,” saying it undermines democratic principles and amounts to inducement disguised as empowerment.
“Unfortunately, that’s very unfortunate. I would describe that as political rascality. Soludo should have known better; that’s not the kind of message you put out to your people. It’s nothing but an inducement wearing the cloak of empowerment. It shouldn’t have happened,” Epelle said.
Governor Soludo had stirred controversy during a campaign rally in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area, where he announced monetary incentives for wards that secure victory for APGA in the forthcoming poll.
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He stated, “Any ward that APGA wins will receive ₦1m, while the first three performing wards will get ₦5m, ₦3m, and ₦2m respectively.”
The governor recalled that similar incentives were offered during a previous senatorial campaign, adding that the rewards would be redeemed as promised.
The comment has since sparked debate, with critics describing it as a veiled form of vote-buying that could set a dangerous precedent ahead of the election.