The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Ojo Amupitan, has called for the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in vote buying, describing the act as a criminal offence under the Electoral Act.
Speaking in a video message, the INEC chairman urged security and anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC, ICPC, and the Nigeria Police Force, to intensify efforts in tackling electoral fraud and ensuring offenders are brought to justice.
According to him, vote buying poses a serious threat to the credibility of elections and the country’s democratic process.
Amupitan also warned political parties against engaging in vote trading, stressing that the practice undermines free and fair elections as well as good governance.
He reiterated that law enforcement agencies have a constitutional responsibility to investigate, arrest, and prosecute anyone found guilty of electoral malpractice.
