By Chikaodi Chukwuleta
The African Action Congress (AAC) Candidate in the Anambra State’s 2025 Governorship Election, Chioma Ifemeludike has condemned the widespread vote-buying she alleged to have occurred during the November 8 election.
She described the practice as “criminal, utterly absurd, and downright nonsensical,” stating that it undermines democracy and promotes bad governance.
Ifemeludike urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to take action against those involved, emphasising that vote-buying “criminalises both voters and politicians”.
Ifemeludike, who polled 292 votes, declared herself a “winner” based on “integrity,” rather than vote tally, saying, that “integrity stands firm and higher than political deception. I’m a winner!
She said the election contradicted the principle of the party, AAC, and her personal value.
” The just concluded November 8, 2025 Election saw the incumbent governor, Prof.Charles Soludo win amid massive vote- buying, a practice I find unacceptable. It is hypocritical of me to send congratulatory messages, when i witnessed the degradation of our democracy. My heart and conscience do not allow it,” she concluded.
She further said: “I am not interested in any appointment that compromises my peace.What matters is the respect and dignity of our people. How can we speak of these values when elderly men and women in our communities are treated like commodities?
“We should be championing social structures that uplift them, not criminalising their conscience with money.
Vote buying is a pollution of our democracy. Who invested that money? What’s their interest? Who will pay for this in the next 4- 8- 10 years? The people of Anambra? The children born and raised here? If we normalise vote buying today, we are inviting more choas.This isn’t about congratulations, but accountability; what transactions took place? Who benefits? I won’t compromise on this. I would rather walk alone than betray my principles,” she said.
Ifemeludike expressed disappointment over the election process, where she witnessed vote buying, adding that people were showing who they voted for, which hurts the dignity of the process, even as institutions like police and INEC are passing the buck.
” Police said monitoring vote buying wasn’t their job, that it is INEC, while INEC said it was police job. Nobody is taking responsibility for stopping vote buying or addressing the irregularities.”
She promised to do differently if given the opportunity, adding that she is ready for leadership and has plans but need people to recognise who is genuinely for them.
“I am youthful, innovative and energetic,” she said.
