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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has come down hard on the conduct of the just-concluded Anambra governorship election, describing it as “a cash-drenched spectacle that mocked democracy.”
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, the party’s National Spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, said what took place in Anambra was not an election but “a bazaar of corruption and cash-for-votes,” accusing the ruling party and its candidate of “brazenly buying their way to power in broad daylight.”
“What unfolded in Anambra was, regrettably, a cash-drenched spectacle that was more of a bazaar than an election. This undermines the very essence of democracy,” Abdullahi wrote.
According to the ADC, the election was “highly monetized,” with “bundles of naira notes changing hands at polling stations” — a practice that made a mockery of the Electoral Act and the nation’s democratic process.
“As has been widely reported and clearly shown to Nigerians and the international community, this election was highly monetized, with the incumbent and his party seen to have participated in several forms and styles of cash-for-votes,” the party said.
“At polling units across the state, bundles of naira notes changed hands in full view. This was a brazen violation of the Electoral Act.”
The ADC also took a swipe at law enforcement and electoral officials, accusing them of turning a blind eye to open acts of bribery and intimidation.
“Even more troubling was the apparent silence — and in some instances, visible inaction — of institutions mandated to enforce electoral integrity,” Abdullahi stated.
“Security operatives stood by as voters were harassed and compromised, while electoral officials, overwhelmed or indifferent, failed to uphold even the most basic standards.”
Raising fears for the future of Nigeria’s democracy, Abdullahi warned that if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) repeats such conduct in 2027, the credibility of the entire electoral process will be in question.
“If this is the manner in which INEC intends to conduct the 2027 general election, then Nigerians have every reason to be worried about the future of our democracy,” he said.
He further noted that the international community is watching closely, adding that “Nigeria cannot afford to become a global example of how democracy fails.”
Reaffirming the ADC’s commitment to integrity-driven politics, Abdullahi emphasized that leadership must be earned — not purchased.
“On our part, the ADC remains committed to building a Nigeria where leadership is earned through integrity, inclusion, and service — not through the crude exchange of cash for votes,” he declared.
The ADC’s statement has intensified the nationwide debate over the growing influence of money in Nigerian elections, as citizens and civil society groups continue to demand accountability from INEC and security agencies.
