Some voters in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, have expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as “poor consideration” after allegedly being offered small amounts of money to vote.

A voter who spoke off-camera to the Anambra Broadcasting Cooperation, ABS, expressed anger over the situation.

She stated that as at 9:00 am, no one was at the Central School, Obosi, where the voting took place.

According to her, an announcement was later made urging residents to come out and cast their votes.

She said many people responded and turned out to exercise their civic duty, only to be given N1,000 afterward.

She described the amount as “too small,” considering the stress they went through to participate in the election.

Former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of Labour Party in 2023, Mr Peter Obi has cast his vote in the ongoing governorship election in the state.

Obi voter at his polling unit 019, Umudim Akasi, Agulu Ward 2, Anaocha Local Government Area.

Obi voted at exactly 11:46 am.

Speaking with journalists after casting his vote, Obi lamented Nigeria’s deteriorating democracy.

He said: “Our democracy is deteriorating, and unfortunately, those who are benefiting from bad governance seem to be fueling it.

“I have been able to listen and move around to see what is happening, and it is bad that we still experience vote buying. Someone who is not employed collects N30,000 for his vote, that means you have sold your school, your hospital, your job opportunities and selling away your future. That is what is very worrisome about our democracy.

“Other countries, even west African countries that are close to us where I have observed election, I haven’t seen something like this happening. This must stop.

“I’m not on the ballot, but I’m a member of Labour Party and I support my candidate, Dr George Moghalu. All the people contesting are my friends and I wish them well.”

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has cast his vote at Ofiyi Square, Polling Unit 002, Isuofia, in Aguata Local Government Area.

The governor arrived at the polling unit shortly before 1:25 p.m., was promptly accredited, and proceeded to cast his ballot.

However, voting at the centre has been slow, with over 400 voters still waiting in line as a result of the deployment of only one BVAS machine for the unit.

Speaking to journalists after voting, Governor Soludo expressed confidence in his chances of winning, while decrying reports of vote buying by some opponents.

He said the election had been “relatively peaceful,” though he acknowledged receiving reports of minor glitches and irregularities in some areas.

“The election has been going on peacefully, except for some places where we have reports of difficulty,” Soludo said. “We’ve heard of BVAS malfunctions in some polling units in Olumbanasa and reports from Nnewi South where someone was allegedly sharing ₦15,000 for votes. Maybe he’s desperate to win there.”

The governor urged voters to remain steadfast and ensure their votes count despite inducement attempts.

“Even if they share ₦100,000, let the people vote and let the votes count,” he added. “We are convinced that on the basis of one man, one vote, we will win by a landslide — no question about that.”