The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has pledged to combat all forms of electoral malfeasance by eliminating the practice of vote-buying ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Professor Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who took office following the resignation of his predecessor, Mahmood Yakubu, made this commitment in Abuja on Tuesday during the swearing-in of a new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Professor Adeniran Tella.
The integrity of this electoral system has been under check by domestic and international agencies. Concerns were raised during the 2023 elections marred by logistical issues, violence, and allegations of massive vote-buying and rigging.
Vote-buying, an illegal system where political parties or agents offer cash or material to induce the choices of voters towards their favour, is seen as a major threat to the democratic process. Despite the introduction of technology like the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) in 2023, these issues persisted.
Critics and civil society organizations argue that INEC’s enforcement capacity is often hampered by existing legal gaps, particularly concerning sanctions for early campaigning and electoral finance violations, which contribute to the ‘cash-and-carry’ nature of Nigerian politics.
Amupitan warned the newly sworn-in Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) that the integrity of any elections is non-negotiable, stressing that any misconduct by omission or commission would not be tolerated.
The credibility of our electoral system is the very foundation upon which our democracy stands. I must be unequivocal and I admonish you that the integrity of our elections is non-negotiable.We are resolved to combat all forms of election rigging, including the menace of vote-buying. The eyes of the nation are upon us. The public trust placed in INEC is sacred – Professor Amupitan
The Chairman added that the primary goal for the electoral officers, is to instill in the voters the confidence that their choice truly counts, through strict adherence to guidelines and transparency.
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