The governorship election in Anambra has taken a dramatic turn as political heavyweights Soludo and Ukachukwu clash over alleged result-swapping, raising serious questions about the credibility of the process. What was expected to be a peaceful and decisive poll has now become a battle of accusations between two major contenders — Governor Chukwuma Soludo of APGA and APC’s Nicholas Ukachukwu.
From the early hours of voting, reports of vote-buying and irregularities began to filter in from several polling units, especially in Nnewi South. Ukachukwu, after casting his vote at his polling unit in Osumenyi, alleged that vote buying had become the “biggest menace” threatening Nigeria’s democracy. He warned that if the trend continues, leaders who get into power through questionable means will have no moral strength to govern.
Vote Buying and Violence Alleged
Ukachukwu claimed that his party agents were harassed, with one allegedly beaten in Nnewi South. He accused unnamed parties of flooding polling centres with cash and intimidating voters to sway results. While commending INEC for early arrival of materials, he expressed concern that the electoral body must do more to curb what he described as “open trading of votes.”
Despite the tension, Ukachukwu remained confident. “The day is still young, and God willing, we will win,” he said. But beneath his optimism lies frustration that the electoral field might not be level.
Soludo Raises Fresh Fears
Governor Soludo also raised suspicions after casting his vote in Aguata, alleging that a political party — which he did not name, was plotting to manipulate the process. He claimed there were talks of plans to delay result uploads to INEC’s server to give room for tampering during collation.
According to him, “We have heard that some people have written results in advance and are working to swap them during collation. They have even allegedly met with some officials to stall result uploads.”
The governor, however, expressed faith in the system, saying his party would follow the process from polling unit to state collation, insisting that vigilance would prevent any manipulation.
This subtle but heated clash between Soludo and Ukachukwu over alleged result-swapping in Anambra has now become the dominant theme of the election day narrative.
A Familiar Pattern in Nigerian Elections
The allegations highlight a familiar story in Nigeria’s electoral history, one where every election seems shadowed by accusations of fraud. Analysts argue that what is happening in Anambra reflects deeper structural problems: weak institutions, voter apathy, and the monetization of politics.
Observers say both Soludo and Ukachukwu, as top contenders, are trying to position themselves as victims of an unfair system while preparing the ground to justify any outcome that doesn’t go their way.
Still, what makes this episode particularly worrying is the open accusation of result manipulation, not just against rival parties but indirectly at the electoral commission itself.
INEC Under Pressure
INEC’s credibility once again faces a test. The commission has not yet responded directly to the allegations, but officials insist that the use of BVAS and IReV would make large-scale rigging impossible. Yet, both candidates’ statements have already stirred doubts among the electorate, many of whom have seen such promises fall apart in previous elections.
Security agents, meanwhile, continue patrols across volatile areas, particularly in Nnewi and Aguata. The police say the situation remains “largely under control,” though reports of skirmishes have emerged in a few local councils.
Beyond the personal rivalry, the Anambra governorship race has become a symbol of whether electoral reforms can truly hold in Nigeria. For Governor Soludo, it’s about defending his record and proving that APGA still commands grassroots loyalty. For Ukachukwu, it’s about breaking the long-standing dominance of APGA in the state and showing that the APC can make real inroads in the Southeast.
As night falls and collation begins, tension is building. The air in Awka is thick with suspicion, and conversations in markets and motor parks echo the same question, will the people’s votes count this time?
A Fight Beyond the Ballot
The Soludo–Ukachukwu faceoff over alleged result-swapping is a reflection of how deeply Nigerians mistrust the electoral process. Whether the accusations prove true or not, the damage may already be done, confidence in the system has once again been shaken.
Until the nation finds a way to separate genuine competition from constant suspicion, elections will continue to look like a battlefield.
