The Independent National Electoral Commission has warned political parties and candidates against vote buying ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying offenders will face prosecution.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Anambra State, Dr Queen Elizabeth Agwu, gave the warning on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by political party representatives, candidates, community leaders and members of the media.
Agwu said the commission would monitor candidates’ spending during campaigns and urged members of the public to report incidents of vote buying.
“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 advised candidates to use campaign periods to explain their plans to voters rather than distribute money to influence their choices.
“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 the practice.
“All parties are engaged in vote buying and at the end you blame INEC and want us to stop it when you are the ones doing it,” she said.
She insisted that the commission would scrutinise candidates’ spending and prosecute those found engaging in vote buying.
INEC cautions against personal attacks
The Anambra REC also urged political parties to focus their campaigns on policies and plans rather than personal attacks against opponents.
She said the commission would not tolerate campaigns involving allegations about candidates’ families or private lives, referring to controversies surrounding the 2025 Anambra governorship election.
“We don’t want a repeat of what happened during the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State where people were talking about families and other matters away from the election. INEC will not accept it,” she said.
“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 urged political parties to conduct peaceful and orderly campaigns, warning against the use of 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.
She added that candidates should explain their programmes and allow voters to assess what they intend to offer if elected.
Commission assures Nigerians of preparedness
Agwu said INEC had made preparations for the 2027 general elections and expressed confidence in its readiness to conduct the polls.
“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 the importance of planning and engaging voters.
The REC also said Anambra had maintained a record of credible elections since the 2023 general election.
“In Anambra, we do free, fair, credible, inclusive and conclusive elections,” she said.
Agwu further announced that INEC’s online portal was open for applications for various ad hoc positions, encouraging qualified residents of Anambra State to apply.
The commission’s warning comes as political parties and prospective candidates prepare for the 2027 general elections, with INEC urging stakeholders to prioritise issue-based campaigns and comply with electoral rules.