Anambra 2025: INEC Vows Crackdown on Vote Buying, Electoral Malpractices

By our Reporter

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pledged to intensify efforts against vote buying and other electoral malpractices ahead of the Anambra Governorship Election scheduled for next week.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made this known during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) held in Abuja. He warned that any attempt to influence voters before or during the election would be met with firm resistance.

Describing vote buying as a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy, Prof. Amupitan urged all security agencies to remain alert and proactive, emphasizing that the credibility of the Anambra election depends on their collective vigilance.

“The Commission is pleased with our partnership with law enforcement, especially anti-graft agencies, to curb vote buying and protect the integrity of our elections. Security agents must not allow vote buyers to operate freely during the Anambra poll,” he said.

He further called for unity and commitment to uphold democratic values, saying: “Together, let us combat vote buying, uphold democracy, and ensure credible elections. The challenges may be tough, but united, we can overcome them.”

Prof. Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s full readiness for the November 8 election, stating that all operational, security, and logistical plans had been finalized and tested.

According to him, INEC will deploy 24,000 personnel across 5,718 polling units in Anambra State, noting that voting will not hold in two polling units due to the absence of registered voters.

“Collation of results will take place at 326 Ward Centres, 21 Local Government Collation Centres, and the final State Collation Centre in Awka,” he added.

On logistics, the INEC Chairman said the Commission had concluded arrangements with key transport unions—including the National Association of Transport Owners (NATO), the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN)—for the movement of personnel and materials.

“We have hired 200 buses and 83 boats to ensure seamless deployment, including to riverine areas,” he disclosed.

Commending the cooperation among security agencies, Prof. Amupitan noted that a recent ICCES meeting in Awka reviewed security reports and identified flashpoints across the 21 local government areas.

“The Anambra election must be the most coordinated yet. Security synergy is non-negotiable, especially at a time when electoral credibility is crucial,” he stressed.

Representing the National Security Adviser, Hassan Yahaya Abdullahi, Director of Internal Security at ONSA, assured that the Federal Government had approved robust, intelligence-driven security measures to safeguard the polls.

“We have enhanced surveillance, adequate deployment, and improved intelligence to prevent any attempts by desperate politicians or disruptive elements to compromise the election,” Abdullahi stated, warning that violence would be met with a firm response.

Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle, representing the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, announced that 45,000 police officers would be deployed for the exercise.

“Only federal agencies represented in ICCES will participate in election security operations. Vigilante groups or non-statutory outfits will not be involved,” he declared.

He revealed that tactical units would begin pre-election operations on November 1 to neutralize potential threats, while movement restrictions would be enforced on Election Day. “All entry and exit points into Anambra will be adequately manned,” he added.

In his goodwill message, Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General O.O. Nafi’u, reaffirmed the Corps’ readiness to support INEC, assuring that the safety and welfare of corps members participating as ad hoc staff were guaranteed.

“Our corps members are patriotic, vibrant, and committed to credible elections. We appeal to the people of Anambra to treat them kindly and ensure their safety,” he said, pledging to be in Anambra to oversee their welfare and protection during the polls.