Vote Buying Threat To Nig’s Democratic Process – INEC

As part of efforts to curb vote buying and other Electoral malpractices, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has called on the National Assembly to enact stricter laws prohibiting the possession of large sums of money within polling areas.

Speaking at a consultative meeting in Abuja with security operatives and technical committee on Electoral law amendment, INEC Chairman, Prof
Mahmood Yakubu
noted that the growing concern of vote-buying has become a significant threat to Nigeria’s democratic process.

Represented by INEC’s Director of Litigation and Prosecution, Tanimu, Muhammed, Prof Yakubu proposed a ₦50,000 cash limit in polling areas, as politicians often claim large sums are for party agent payments and expenses.

Beyond vote-buying, INEC sought the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission due to its own limitations in prosecuting offenders.

On security matters, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented by the Commissioner of Police, in charge of election, Planning and Evaluation Abayomi Shogunle, said inadequate resources hinder law enforcement during elections but pledged that the police will remain neutral and professional.

Responding to concerns raised by INEC, the Chairman House Committee on Electoral matters Adebayo Balogun who announced plans for a new 2025 Electoral Act, addressing gaps in the current 2022 version, emphasized the need for awareness on electoral malpractices.

His counterpart from the Senate, Sharafadeen Alli, noted that despite the progress made by the 2022 Electoral Act, there are still areas that require improvement to ensure the integrity and transparency of Nigeria’s electoral process.

The meeting, organized by the joint National Assembly Committees on Electoral Matters in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, PLAC and supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss electoral security and legal reforms.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji