The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to tackling vote-buying in Nigeria’s electoral process and is seeking stronger collaboration with security agencies under the Interagency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
During the first quarterly meeting with security agencies for 2025, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, acknowledged progress made in curbing vote-buying but emphasized that much work remains.
He highlighted that vote-buying occurs not only on Election Day but also during party primaries, where delegates are often targeted.
With the Anambra State Governorship election primaries set to begin next month, followed by the Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in June, Prof. Yakubu stressed the importance of continued partnership among stakeholders to combat electoral malpractices.
He also announced that INEC is preparing for multiple bye-elections to fill vacancies in the National and State legislative houses. A total of 16 vacancies have emerged across 12 states, involving two Senatorial Districts, five Federal Constituencies, and nine State Assembly Constituencies.
INEC plans to provide security agencies with detailed delimitation information, including polling unit locations and terrain assessments, to aid their operational deployment.
Prof. Yakubu highlighted lessons from the Ondo State Governorship election, where improved coordination between security and electoral officials led to early commencement of polls and a peaceful voting process.
He urged that similar strategies be adopted for the upcoming Anambra Governorship election to ensure a smooth and credible exercise.
Meanwhile, the Director of Internal Security at the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Hassan Yahaya Abdullahi, conveyed the NSA’s appreciation for the role security agencies and INEC played in improving security during the Edo and Ondo off-cycle elections.
He noted that enhanced coordination, technology deployment—including drones and communication systems—and improved surveillance contributed to swift responses to incidents.
Although voter turnout in Edo and Ondo did not meet expectations, Abdullahi acknowledged the largely peaceful conduct of voters, despite some agitation due to logistical delays.
He assured that lessons from these elections would inform refined security strategies ahead of the forthcoming bye-elections and the Anambra Governorship election scheduled for November 25.
With ongoing efforts to enhance election security, INEC and security agencies remain committed to ensuring credible and transparent elections across the country.
