Anambra guber: SERAP gives INEC seven days to act on vote-buying allegations

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging the electoral body to immediately refer all allegations of vote buying and undue influence during the recently concluded Anambra State governorship election to the nation’s anti-graft and law enforcement agencies.

In a letter to the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SERAP demanded that he urgently work with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate and prosecute all perpetrators and their sponsors.

Dated November 8, 2025, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the letter asserted that the recurring instances of electoral bribery make a mockery of Nigeria’s electoral process and participatory democracy.

The organisation stressed that impunity for past cases of vote buying is a fundamental barrier to achieving free and fair elections in Nigeria.

“Unless the legacy of impunity for these grave electoral offences is combated and perpetrators effectively prosecuted, those contemplating vote buying will feel unconstrained in future elections,” the statement read.

SERAP argued that ensuring accountability would enhance the rights of Nigerians to participate in their own government and bolster public trust in INEC’s capacity to deliver credible elections.

The civil society organisation backed its demand by citing detailed reports of widespread vote buying across the state. These incidents reportedly involved sophisticated tactics, including the use of money transfer platforms instead of just cash, and ‘vote-and-snap behaviour,’ where voters were allegedly photographed taking pictures of their marked ballots as proof for financial payment.

SERAP further noted that reports of intimidation and harassment of journalists covering the polls were also received, adding to the concerns over the election’s integrity.

SERAP reminded the INEC Chairman of the commission’s constitutional and statutory duties.

While Sections 121 and 127 of the Electoral Act strictly prohibit electoral bribery and undue influence, Section 145(2) provides that prosecution for such offences “shall be undertaken by legal officers of the Commission or any legal practitioner appointed by it.”

The organisation warned that the persistence of electoral bribery and vote buying gravely violates Nigerians’ right to vote, which is central to the effective participation of every citizen, and undermines INEC’s ability to discharge its responsibilities.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter,” SERAP added.

The organisation warned that failure to act within this timeframe would compel them to “take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and INEC to comply with our request in the public interest.”

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