The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Anambra State, John Chuma Nwosu, has dismissed the re-election of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, alleging that the poll was deeply compromised by widespread vote buying that undermined its legitimacy.
In a personally signed statement on Sunday, Nwosu described the election as a national embarrassment, asserting that the rampant financial inducement at polling centers rendered the process far from democratic.
“I, John Chuma Nwosu (JCN), the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), hereby categorically reject the outcome of the just-concluded gubernatorial election in Anambra State,” he said.
According to him, cash inducements ranging from N3,000 to N20,000 were openly distributed to voters in several locations, transforming the election into a money-for-votes transaction instead of a true reflection of the electorate’s will.
“What took place yesterday was a ruse and total subversion of the people’s will, marred by massive vote buying and shameless financial inducement at polling units across the state. By every account, the people have not spoken,” he stated.
Nwosu declined to disclose whether he plans to contest the results in court but maintained that no triumph holds value when obtained through a corrupt process.
“True victory is judged not by the outcome, but by the integrity of the process,” he said.
The ADC candidate argued that any election corrupted by bribery and manipulation cannot represent the people’s choice, stressing that a compromised process can only produce an illegitimate mandate.
He also faulted the institutions tasked with safeguarding electoral transparency, insisting their failure had stripped them of the moral grounds to declare winners.
“The conscience of our democracy has been wounded. When votes are bought, the future is sold. What we witnessed was not the expression of choice, but the glaring triumph of desperation and greed over the principles of justice and fairness,” Nwosu said.
He maintained that Anambra State deserves a more transparent and credible electoral process, adding that his campaign was rooted in integrity, openness, and the rejection of corruption rather than a desperate chase for power.
The ADC flagbearer vowed that the fight for responsible leadership in the state would persist, emphasizing the people’s right to vote without fear or inducement.
“This struggle continues. We will not surrender. We will not be silent. Our movement will keep pressing until the people of Anambra can freely choose their leaders without fear or inducement,” he stated.
Nwosu appreciated his supporters, party members, volunteers, and campaign staff for their courage and refusal to yield to financial temptation during the election.
