To protect Nigeria’s electoral process, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies have reaffirmed their commitment to curbing vote-buying and ensuring credible elections ahead of crucial polls in 2025 and 2026.
Speaking on Tuesday at the first regular meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, identified vote-buying as a major threat to free and fair elections.
He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies to prevent financial inducements that undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
Prof. Yakubu, stressed the need for more decisive action against electoral malpractice, particularly as political party primaries approach.
While acknowledging that arrests have been made in past elections, Yakubu emphasized that vote-buying is not limited to election day.
He pointed out that financial inducement of delegates during party primaries remains a major concern, as it undermines the integrity of the nomination process.
“With the Anambra State governorship primaries scheduled for next month and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections set for June, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on security agencies to adopt proactive measures to ensure a smooth electoral process.
INEC Chairman emphasized the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms, citing successful prosecutions in three states achieved through close collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
He said, “Beyond arresting vote buyers on election day, our active collaboration with anti-graft agencies has resulted in the successful prosecution of some offenders.”
Yakubu also underscored the importance of securing election logistics to ensure the smooth conduct of polls.
“Our experience in managing logistics during the Ondo State governorship election now serves as a model for future elections. Improved coordination in the deployment of security personnel and election officials facilitated the early commencement of voting and ensured a peaceful election, despite the difficult terrain in the riverine areas,” he added.
He urged security agencies to replicate this level of coordination in the upcoming Anambra State governorship election to ensure a smooth and secure voting process.
Speaking at the event, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, commended security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their efforts in strengthening election security during the recent off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.
Ribadu, who was represented by the Director of Internal Security at the Office of the NSA, Hassan Abdullahi, emphasized the crucial role of technology in enhancing electoral security.
He highlighted the deployment of drones, advanced communication systems, and improved surveillance as key measures that contributed to a safer electoral process.
Abdullahi highlighted how these innovations facilitated swift interventions in areas where security threats emerged, contributing to the largely peaceful conduct of the elections.
However, Ribadu expressed concern over voter apathy in the Edo and Ondo polls, stressing the need for greater voter engagement in future elections.
“While voter turnout in both states fell below expectations, the electorate conducted themselves commendably. Aside from a few instances of agitation over delayed commencement in some polling units due to logistical constraints, the elections remained peaceful,” he noted.
Looking forward, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening security measures ahead of forthcoming elections, drawing lessons from past electoral experiences to refine strategies.
Ribadu highlighted that special attention will be given to the Anambra governorship election, scheduled for November 8, 2025, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections set for February 21, 2026. Additionally, 16 bye-elections will be conducted across 12 states to fill vacant legislative seats at both the federal and state levels.
“As we prepare for these crucial elections, we must enhance security coordination, reinforce law enforcement interventions, and uphold electoral integrity to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy,” Ribadu stated.
