The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), has issued a strong directive to security agencies, insisting that vote buyers must be arrested and prosecuted.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement, Amupitan emphasized that vote buying undermines Nigeria’s democracy and erodes public trust in the electoral process. He warned that the Commission will not tolerate practices that compromise free and fair elections.
- Directive: Security agencies have been tasked with intensifying surveillance at polling units and ensuring offenders face justice.
- Context: Vote buying has remained a recurring challenge in Nigeria’s elections, with concerns about its impact on credibility and voter confidence.
- Impact: Analysts say the INEC Chairman’s stance signals a tougher approach ahead of the 2027 general elections, aimed at deterring electoral malpractice.
This pronouncement underscores INEC’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring that elections reflect the genuine will of the people.
