The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed claims of widespread vote‑buying during Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Anambra State, stating there is no verified evidence to support such allegations.

Several candidates had raised concerns, alleging that cash was being offered to voters at polling units. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), led by Chukwuma Soludo, claimed incidents of vote‑buying in Nnewi South, while George Moghalu of the Labour Party and Chioma Ifemeludike of the African Action Congress (AAC) said voters were being offered between ₦3,000 and ₦5,000.

In response, Anambra’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Queen Agwu, stated that INEC’s situation room did not receive any verified reports of vote‑buying. She emphasised that allegations must be supported with concrete evidence pointing to specific polling units or individuals, rather than broad claims, describing the rumours as unsubstantiated. “If you want to accuse someone, give us evidence. You can’t just go on television and say there is vote‑buying everywhere without mentioning one place,” she said.

INEC also noted that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) performed well in most polling units. While official turnout figures were not yet available, the commission said security and logistical arrangements were satisfactory.

Although INEC has dismissed the broad allegations, the commission said it is open to investigating credible evidence if presented. Candidates who made the claims have not yet publicly provided detailed proof to support their allegations.