'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed deep concern over the rising incidence of vote buying and delegate manipulation during party primaries, calling on civil society organizations (CSOs) to intensify efforts to curb the menace. The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made the call during the Commission’s first regular quarterly consultative meeting with CSOs held in Abuja on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
The meeting, which brought together leaders of civil society organizations, INEC officials, and members of the press, focused on preparations for the upcoming Anambra State Governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election set for February 21, 2026. However, the issue of vote buying and delegate manipulation took center stage as Prof. Yakubu highlighted the growing trend of aspirants bribing delegates during party primaries.
“Some delegates openly boast of how much money they made from aspirants during party primaries,” Yakubu revealed, urging CSOs to expand their monitoring efforts beyond general elections to include party primaries. “It is time to cast your net wide by focusing on the incidence of delegate-buying by aspirants during primaries,” he added.
The INEC Chairman acknowledged the consistent efforts of CSOs in monitoring elections and their actionable recommendations to combat vote buying at polling units. However, he emphasized the need for a broader approach to address the root causes of electoral malpractice, particularly during the nomination process. “Only the candidates nominated by the political parties are placed on the ballot paper for citizens to vote for on Election Day,” Yakubu noted, underscoring the importance of ensuring transparency and integrity in party primaries.
The Anambra State Governorship election, which is the next major electoral activity on INEC’s calendar, will see political parties conduct their primaries from March 20 to April 10, 2025. Similarly, the FCT Area Council election, which will elect six Chairmen and 62 Councillors, is scheduled for February 21, 2026. Yakubu called on CSOs to actively engage in monitoring these processes to ensure compliance with electoral laws and regulations.
The INEC Chairman also commended the efforts of security and law enforcement agencies in tackling electoral malpractices and urged CSOs to support these initiatives through advocacy and public awareness campaigns. “You should intensify your advocacy in support of the practical steps taken by the relevant security and law enforcement agencies to tackle this diabolical practice,” he said.
The issue of vote buying has remained a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s electoral process, with reports of voters being offered money or other incentives to influence their choices at the polls. The practice not only undermines the credibility of elections but also erodes public trust in the democratic process.
CSOs present at the meeting welcomed INEC’s call for greater vigilance and pledged to step up their monitoring efforts ahead of the upcoming elections. “We will work closely with INEC and other stakeholders to ensure that the electoral process is free, fair, and credible,” said a representative of one of the participating organizations.
As Nigeria prepares for another round of elections, the spotlight remains on INEC and its partners to deliver a transparent and credible process. The Commission’s proactive stance on vote buying and delegate manipulation signals a renewed commitment to addressing the challenges that have plagued previous elections. However, the success of these efforts will depend on the collective action of all stakeholders, including political parties, security agencies, and civil society organizations.
With the Anambra and FCT elections on the horizon, the battle against vote buying and other forms of electoral malpractice is set to take center stage, as Nigeria strives to strengthen its democracy and uphold the integrity of its electoral system.
