Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, has accused some politicians of secretly working with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to influence the outcome of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja during a public discussion on “Innovation in Electoral Technology 2015–2025,” the governor claimed that certain politicians have been “sleeping in INEC offices,” allegedly plotting to manipulate the process ahead of the November poll.
Soludo, who expressed worry over what he described as deep-rooted political desperation, said many politicians still believe elections cannot hold without corrupt practices.
“Some politicians are sleeping in INEC. They don’t believe elections can be free and fair. They are busy working there while we are busy campaigning,” he said.
The governor warned that such acts could disrupt public confidence in the electoral system and called on politicians to demonstrate integrity by allowing the will of the people to prevail.
He further noted that Nigeria’s democracy cannot progress if politicians continue to view electoral contests as battles to be won by any means, rather than through the genuine support of voters.
“We must stop expecting ‘wuruwuru’ and ‘wayo’ every election season. If the process is credible, our democracy will grow stronger,” Soludo added.
The governor urged INEC to remain neutral and resist any attempt by individuals or groups to compromise the credibility of the electoral process.
