INEC warns parties against vote buying ahead of 2027 elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties and candidates against vote buying, electoral violence and smear campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, threatening prosecution of those found violating electoral laws.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, Dr Queen Elizabeth Agwu, issued the warning on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by political party leaders, candidates, community representatives and journalists.
Agwu accused political parties of encouraging vote buying while shifting responsibility to INEC, insisting that the commission would intensify monitoring of campaign expenditure and electoral misconduct.
“We will monitor vote buying, and we are urging people to report vote buyers. I have never witnessed one, but we call on those who notice it to report to us,” she said.
“All parties are engaged in vote buying and at the end you blame INEC and want us to stop it when you are the ones doing it.”
She urged candidates to concentrate on presenting their programmes to voters rather than distributing money to influence electoral choices.
Agwu also warned against personal attacks and character assassination, recalling controversies surrounding the 2025 Anambra governorship election.
“We will not tolerate a campaign of calumny. Campaigns have been lifted, and we expect candidates to go into the field and tell the people what they can do,” she said.
The commissioner cautioned political parties against recruiting political thugs to disrupt elections, stressing that electoral contests should be determined through peaceful participation and credible voting.
“We beg you not to engage thugs; if you don’t get to power today, you will get it tomorrow. Election is about planning. You must plan; you must engage the people,” she said.
On preparations for the general elections, Agwu expressed confidence in the commission’s readiness, assuring stakeholders that measures were being implemented to prevent technical and operational failures.
“INEC is ready for the coming elections, and we have made adequate preparations, and I want to assure you there will be no glitches in the 2027 elections,” she declared.
She maintained that elections conducted in Anambra under her supervision had been free, fair, credible and inclusive.
Agwu also announced that INEC’s online recruitment portal was open for applications for various ad hoc electoral positions, encouraging qualified residents to apply.
She appealed to political parties and candidates to conduct peaceful campaigns and allow voters to make their choices without intimidation or financial inducement.