The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties and candidates against vote buying ahead of the 2027 general elections, threatening prosecution for electoral offenders.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, Dr Queen Elizabeth Agwu, issued the warning on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by political party leaders, candidates, community leaders and media representatives.
Agwu urged candidates to focus on presenting their manifestos and explaining their plans to voters rather than distributing money to influence electoral choices.
“We will monitor vote buying, and we are urging people to report vote buyers. I have never witnessed one, but we call on those who notice it to report to us,” she said.
She challenged political parties to redirect money intended for vote buying towards legitimate campaigns and explain to voters what they would do if elected.
“The money you will use to buy votes, why not give it to the people during election campaigns and tell them what you will do for them. This is the time to campaign,” she said.
Agwu accused political parties of engaging in vote buying before blaming INEC for failing to curb the practice. She maintained that the commission would pay close attention to candidates’ campaign spending and prosecute those found engaging in vote buying.
INEC Rejects Personal Attacks During Campaigns
The Anambra REC also warned political parties and candidates against personal attacks and campaigns of calumny, urging them to focus on issues that matter to voters.
She said INEC would not tolerate a repeat of the controversies surrounding the 2025 Anambra governorship election, when political discussions allegedly shifted towards family matters and other personal issues.
“We will not tolerate a campaign of calumny. Campaigns have been lifted, and we expect candidates to go into the field and tell the people what they can do,” Agwu said.
She added that candidates’ personal and family matters should not distract from discussions about their plans, policies and capacity to serve the electorate.
The REC further appealed to political parties to conduct peaceful and orderly campaigns, warning them against recruiting thugs to disrupt the electoral process.
“We beg you not to engage thugs; if you don’t get to power today, you will get it tomorrow. Election is about planning. You must plan; you must engage the people,” she said.
INEC Assures Nigerians of Election Preparedness
Agwu assured stakeholders that INEC had made adequate preparations for the 2027 general elections and expressed confidence in the commission’s readiness.
“INEC is ready for the coming elections, and we have made adequate preparations, and I want to assure you there will be no glitches in the 2027 elections,” she said.
She urged political parties and their candidates to begin preparations early, stressing that electoral success should be pursued through planning and engagement with voters rather than violence or electoral malpractice.
The REC also expressed confidence in the conduct of elections in Anambra State, saying the state had maintained a record of credible polls since the 2023 general election.
“In Anambra, we do free, fair, credible, inclusive and conclusive elections,” she said.
Agwu also announced that INEC’s online portal was open for applications for various ad hoc positions, encouraging qualified residents of Anambra State to apply.
She reiterated the commission’s commitment to addressing electoral malpractice and called on political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to support peaceful, orderly and credible elections.
