The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the conduct of the 2025 Anambra governorship election, describing it as a “cash-drenched spectacle” that undermined democracy and signalled a troubling preview of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused the ruling government in Anambra of orchestrating widespread vote buying during the poll. It alleged that money flowed openly at polling units while security agencies and election officials failed to intervene.
“The African Democratic Congress has observed the conduct of the just concluded Anambra gubernatorial election with a deep sense of concern for the electoral process in Nigeria. What unfolded in Anambra was, regrettably, a cash-drenched spectacle that was more of a bazaar than an election,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC claimed that bundles of naira notes exchanged hands in full public view across the state, describing it as a “brazen violation” of the Electoral Act. It also accused the incumbent governor and his party of laying the groundwork for such monetisation long before the election.
According to the statement, state institutions responsible for safeguarding electoral integrity failed in their duties. The party alleged that security operatives and election officials ignored incidents of voter intimidation and financial inducement.
“Even more troubling was the apparent silence, and in some instances, visible inaction, of institutions mandated to enforce electoral integrity. Security operatives stood by as voters were harassed and compromised, while electoral officials, overwhelmed or indifferent, failed to uphold even the most basic standards,” the statement read.
The ADC warned that the lapses witnessed in Anambra could set a dangerous precedent for the 2027 general elections and damage Nigeria’s democratic credibility before the international community.
“If this is the manner in which the Independent National Electoral Commission intends to conduct the 2027 general election, then Nigerians have every reason to be worried about the future of our democracy,” it said.
Despite its criticism, the party reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values founded on integrity and accountability rather than monetary influence.
“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,” Abdullahi added.
