The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, Jake Epelle, has strongly criticized Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, for his recent statement suggesting that communities delivering the highest number of votes for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the upcoming November 8 governorship election would be rewarded with development projects.
Epelle described the governor’s comment as a direct affront to the principles of free and fair elections, warning that such remarks could encourage vote buying and undermine democratic integrity. He emphasized that democracy thrives when citizens vote based on conscience and performance, not in anticipation of financial or developmental rewards tied to election outcomes.
According to Epelle, Soludo’s statement not only sets a dangerous precedent but also sends a troubling message to other political leaders and voters. He stressed that the idea of linking community development to electoral support is unethical and has no place in a democratic society governed by the rule of law. He urged public officials to promote policies that strengthen democratic values rather than weaken them through transactional promises.
The TAF Africa founder noted that rewarding communities for voting in a particular way equates to institutionalizing electoral corruption. He pointed out that such an approach marginalizes communities that choose to vote freely or support other candidates, thereby deepening political division and disenfranchisement.
Epelle also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and anti-corruption agencies to take note of statements that could influence voters improperly or amount to inducement. He argued that it is the responsibility of electoral institutions and civil society groups to ensure that the 2025 elections in Anambra are conducted in a manner that reflects the will of the people without intimidation or material influence.
He urged Governor Soludo to withdraw his statement and reassure the public that all communities in Anambra State would be treated fairly, regardless of their political preferences. He said that equitable governance should not depend on electoral loyalty but on the shared goal of improving the welfare of all citizens.
Epelle further highlighted that TAF Africa has consistently advocated for political accountability, transparency, and inclusivity, particularly for marginalized groups. He noted that political leaders must serve as role models in fostering credible elections and respecting voters’ rights to make free choices.
In his remarks, Epelle warned that cash-for-vote practices, whether direct or indirect, erode public trust in government and distort the democratic process. He maintained that any suggestion implying that development is conditional on electoral results must be firmly rejected by civil society, voters, and oversight institutions.
The controversy arose after Governor Soludo was reported to have made the promise during a political gathering ahead of the forthcoming Anambra governorship election. The governor allegedly told supporters that communities delivering the highest votes for APGA candidates would receive priority in developmental interventions from his administration.
The comment quickly drew criticism from various quarters, with many describing it as an attempt to buy votes through state resources. Political analysts and election observers have also warned that such pronouncements could trigger electoral violence or manipulation if not properly addressed.
Epelle concluded by reiterating that democracy in Nigeria must move beyond the politics of reward and punishment. He said that leaders should focus on policies that uplift every part of society rather than using development as a tool for political bargaining.
He reaffirmed that TAF Africa and other advocacy organizations would continue to monitor political rhetoric leading up to the election and hold public officials accountable for actions that threaten the fairness of the electoral process.
The November 8 governorship election in Anambra is expected to be highly competitive, with the APGA seeking to retain control of the state amid challenges from major opposition parties.
