Categories
AFNewsNG Logo
Politics Special Report

Jake Epelle Slams Soludo's Cash-For-Votes Remark As 'Political Rascality' -

Thompson Nsisongabasi

Oct 28, 2025

mail
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, Jake Epelle, has criticised Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo over his recent comments promising monetary rewards to areas that deliver the highest votes for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the upcoming November 8 governorship election.

READ ALSO: International Funders Threaten Withdrawal Over Nigeria's Digital ID Project Delays

Speaking in reaction to the governor's remarks during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Epelle described the move as "political rascalityÔÇØ, saying such statements undermine democratic principles and amount to vote inducement disguised as community incentives.

READ ALSO: Nigeria Budgets N135bn For 2027 Election Lawsuits -

"Unfortunately, that's very unfortunate. I would describe that, and everybody knows me, I speak my mind. It's actually political rascality. That's the only way I can describe it. Soludo should have known better, that that's not the kind of thing, information you put out there for your people. It's nothing but inducement that is wearing the cloak of a bait with Naira. It shouldn't have happened. He shouldn't have done that.ÔÇØ

READ ALSO: Olawepo-Hashim Resigns From PDP, Vows To Resist One Party State -

Governor Soludo, during an APGA campaign rally in Anambra East Local Government Area, had pledged to reward wards and local governments that deliver the highest number of votes for the ruling party, promising financial incentives.

READ ALSO: Nigeria: Supreme Court Set to Decide ADC Leadership Battle | SEE DATE

The comments have sparked widespread criticism from civil society groups, opposition parties, and electoral observers, who view the pledge as a violation of electoral integrity and a threat to free and fair elections.

READ ALSO: WE WON'T TAKE ANYTHING BELOW N30,000 AS MINIMUM WAGE, NLC TELLS GOVS

Epelle, whose organisation advocates for inclusive governance and electoral accountability, stressed that leaders must set higher ethical standards during campaigns. He urged political actors to focus on issues, development, and governance, rather than cash-based incentives.

READ ALSO: Benue North-East: I will be running for Senate in 2027 - Suswam

Melissa Enoch

READ ALSO: ADC Crisis: Nwosu Links INEC Decision to Jagaban Politics | READ WHY

Follow us on:

Related Stories

""

— Thompson Nsisongabasi

Join the Conversation

Signed in as Member