INEC Urges ICCES to Intensify Efforts Against Vote Buying in Upcoming Elections

By Iyojo Ameh

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to intensify efforts in tackling vote buying ahead of upcoming elections in Nigeria.

Yakubu emphasized that 2025 would be a busy year for election security, with major elections scheduled, including the Anambra State Governorship election on November 8, 2025, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections on February 21, 2026. The Commission is also preparing for 16 bye-elections across 12 states to fill vacant seats in the National and State Assemblies.

The INEC Chairman expressed concern over the persistent issue of vote buying, highlighting that offenders have been successfully prosecuted in three states due to collaboration with law enforcement and anti-graft agencies. He noted that the issue extends beyond election day, as vote buying also occurs during party primaries, where delegates are influenced financially.

“As party primaries for the Anambra State Governorship election begin next month and the FCT Area Council elections follow in June, we must continue working together to eliminate this menace,” Yakubu stated.

Reflecting on past elections, Yakubu cited the Ondo State Governorship election as a model for future polls, where improved security coordination ensured timely voting and peaceful conduct despite challenging terrain. He urged security agencies to maintain the same level of coordination in Anambra, ensuring a seamless voting experience for Nigerians.

To enhance election security, Yakubu assured ICCES members that INEC would provide detailed information on polling unit locations, security-risk areas, and terrain conditions to guide their operational deployment.

Similarly, Hassan Yahaya Abdullahi, Director of Internal Security at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), spoke on behalf of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who serves as the ICCES Co-Chair.

Abdullahi commended security agencies and INEC for the improvements recorded during the Edo and Ondo off-cycle governorship elections, citing enhanced cooperation, technology deployment (drones and communication systems), and better surveillance as key factors in securing the process.

While acknowledging low voter turnout in some areas, he assured that lessons learned from the Edo and Ondo elections would help refine security strategies for upcoming polls, including the Anambra Governorship election on November 25, 2025.

INEC also reaffirmed it’s commitment to free, fair, and secure elections while calling for greater synergy among security agencies and stakeholders to tackle electoral malpractice and ensure credible polls across Nigeria.