Anambra ADC guber candidate frowns at donations to Soludo’s campaign
John Nwosu, governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the November 8 Anambra election, has described reports of citizens donating to the Chukwuma Soludo campaign as “deeply worrisome”.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Nwosu said the practice raises serious questions about compliance with the country’s electoral laws and moral standards.
He was reacting to reports that communities and groups were donating funds to Soludo, who is seeking re-election on the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) platform.
“I am aware of reports that some groups and towns have made humongous donations to the candidate of APGA in purported support of his campaign,” he said.
“Such donations raise real concerns about compliance with the Electoral Act, morality, and the rule of law.”
Nwosu said while citizens have the right to support any candidate, any form of quid pro quo — such as inflated contracts or kickbacks disguised as campaign contributions — would amount to corruption and criminal manipulation.
He criticised reports that some local governments were also donating funds, despite having “little to show” for the federal allocations they receive.
“If cash-strapped local governments are donating millions to the governor’s campaign, that is a charade and a blatant display of official dishonesty,” he said.
The ADC candidate accused the APGA-led government of attempting to buy votes and deceive the public.
“At no time in Anambra’s political history have we witnessed such open desperation to manipulate the voting public,” he said.
“I urge the electorate to reject inducements and defend their democratic rights. Those who sell their votes are selling their patrimony, freedom, and future. Elections should be won by popular choice, not through purchased loyalty.”
Nwosu urged voters in Anambra to support the ADC for what he described as “a restoration of honesty, fairness, and people-centred leadership”.
ANAMBRA GOVERNMENT REACTS
Reacting to Nwosu’s statement, Law Mefor, commissioner for information in Anambra, defended the donations, saying they were part of a voluntary “crowdfunding system” inspired by Soludo’s model of “disruptive change”.
Mefor said contributions from students, market groups, communities, and senatorial districts “reflect the wide acceptance the governor enjoys among the people”.
“It is different from the past when governorship candidates offered money to groups and communities in search of votes,” he said.
