The deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the Anambra governorship election, Uche Ekwunife, has raised the alarm over alleged widespread vote-buying.

Ms Ekwunife spoke shortly after casting her vote at Polling Unit 001, Nri, in Anaocha LGA on Saturday.

She noted that, despite repeated warnings by the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies against electoral malpractice, vote buying still occurred on a large scale.

According to her, credible intelligence from the field indicated that huge sums of money were allegedly distributed to polling units to influence voters.

She described the development as a dangerous setback to Nigeria’s democratic process and a betrayal of the people’s will.

“Many voters in the state were pressured through financial inducements to vote against their conscience.

“It is disheartening that instead of allowing the people to freely choose their leaders, some political actors have chosen to corrupt the process with money.

“This kind of monetisation of democracy must stop if we truly want progress in Anambra and Nigeria at large,” she said.

Ms Ekwunife, however, commended the impressive turnout of voters, saying it was a strong indication that the people of Anambra wanted accountability and good governance.

“The enthusiasm of the electorate today shows that our people are tired of bad governance and economic stagnation.

“I am confident that APC will emerge victorious because the people are yearning for a new direction,” she said.

The APC politician urged INEC officials and the security agencies to remain vigilant, impartial, and firm in ensuring that the election outcome reflected the genuine will of the people, rather than the influence of money or intimidation.

(NAN)