Independent National Electoral Commission has warned politicians and voters against vote buying ahead of the forthcoming Ekiti State governorship election, describing the practice as a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking on Wednesday during the presentation of the certified voters’ register to political parties in Ekiti State, INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan said security agencies have been directed to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in vote trading.
According to him, about 1,059,360 registered voters are expected to participate in the June 20 governorship election following the updated voters’ register compiled through the Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
Amupitan said vote buying remains one of the biggest challenges confronting Nigeria’s electoral process and stressed that offenders must face the full weight of the law.
“It is a criminal offence under the Electoral Act, and law enforcement agencies including the EFCC, ICPC and the police must ensure those involved are arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
The INEC chairman urged political parties to avoid any form of inducement during the election, noting that the commission alone cannot guarantee credible polls without cooperation from stakeholders.
He also disclosed that the updated register reflects an increase of about 66,000 voters compared to the 2023 general elections in Ekiti State.
Amupitan assured political parties that INEC would continue to improve election technology and ensure faster transmission of results during the poll.
He further announced that political parties are expected to sign a peace accord on Thursday as part of efforts to guarantee peaceful and issue-based campaigns ahead of the election.
Also speaking, Sam Olumekun said the publication of the voters’ register was aimed at ensuring transparency and giving political parties the opportunity to raise objections where necessary.
Meanwhile, Ekiti Resident Electoral Commissioner Bunmi Omoseyindemi stated that preparations for the election were already in top gear, assuring residents that the state is fully prepared for the governorship poll.
