Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s pledge of cash rewards for All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) ward victories in the upcoming November 8 governorship election has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with opposition parties and civil society groups accusing the move of violating electoral laws and undermining public trust.

Speaking at a rally in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area on Saturday, Soludo promised N1 million to each APGA ward that secures a win, with additional bonuses of N5 million, N3 million, and N2 million for the top three performing wards. “We promised each of these wards N1m and next week, we will redeem it,” Soludo said, referencing similar incentives used during past Senate campaigns.

APGA defended the initiative as a strategy to boost voter turnout in a state plagued by chronic apathy. “This is about mobilizing our strength, not inducement,” said APGA national publicity secretary Mazi Ejimofor Opara. “Opposition knows APGA dominates without it.”

However, critics swiftly condemned the pledge. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) described it as a “gross violation” of the Electoral Act’s anti-bribery provisions. PDP’s Ifeanyi Ubah faction called it “desperation,” while civil society group Yiaga Africa warned the tactic could erode electoral credibility. “Incentives mask apathy’s roots: insecurity, logistics failures,” said Yiaga’s Samson Itodo.

Turnout in the 2021 Anambra election fell below 200,000 out of 2.7 million registered voters, with some areas recording just 7%. APGA countered that voter integrity remains strong, citing instances like a Ukwulu woman who reportedly rejected cash from rival parties.

With 16 candidates vying for the governorship, the controversy highlights the polarized nature of the race, where APGA’s incumbency faces a united opposition front. The pledge also tests enforcement boundaries—whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will investigate or deem it permissible campaign motivation.