The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, has warned politicians and their supporters against buying votes during elections
Amupitan said the commission would intensify its intelligence-gathering efforts to identify those attempting to influence voters with money or other forms of inducement.
According to him, the move is part of efforts to ensure that voters are allowed to freely make their choices without being pressured or financially influenced.
“We will activate intelligence to fish out those buying votes,” the INEC chairman said.
He stressed that vote buying poses a serious threat to the credibility of the electoral process, urging political actors to focus on persuading voters through their programmes, policies and campaigns rather than financial inducement.
Amupitan also indicated that INEC would work with relevant security and law-enforcement agencies to detect and tackle electoral offences connected to vote buying.
The commission’s position comes amid continued concerns over the use of money to influence voters during elections, with stakeholders calling for stronger measures to prevent electoral malpractice.
INEC has continued to emphasise the need for a transparent and credible electoral process, while urging political parties, candidates and voters to play their part in protecting the integrity of elections.