The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently “identify, name and shame, and prosecute perpetrators and sponsors of the widespread alleged vote-buying” witnessed during the Anambra governorship election held on Saturday.
In a post shared via its official X handle, SERAP said:
> “INEC must immediately identify, name and shame and prosecute perpetrators and sponsors of the widespread alleged vote-buying during the Anambra election, regardless of their political status or affiliations.”
The rights group warned that impunity for vote buying continues to undermine Nigeria’s electoral integrity, adding:
> “Impunity for vote buying will continue to undermine the country’s elections and deny Nigerians the right to participate in their own government. We’ll see in court if those responsible for these electoral crimes are not effectively prosecuted.”
Reports from several polling units across Anambra indicated open cases of vote trading, with voters allegedly offered food items such as Gala sausage rolls, Malt drinks, and cash inducements in exchange for their votes. Eyewitnesses described the practice as “brazen,” with party agents allegedly seen sharing envelopes and refreshments near polling stations.
Some governorship candidates, including Governor Chukwuma Soludo, APC’s candidate, Mr Nicholas Ukachukwu and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have all expressed concern over the disturbing level of vote buying during the polls. They described it as a “shameful trend” that threatens the credibility of the state’s democratic process.
While Governor Soludo lamented that the practice “cheapens democracy and erodes public trust,” Peter Obi urged Nigerians to “resist the temptation of selling their conscience for a plate of food.” The APC candidate also demanded stricter enforcement of electoral laws to serve as a deterrent to offenders.
As calls for accountability mount, civil society groups and observers have urged INEC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct swift investigations into the alleged inducement schemes and ensure that both the sponsors and beneficiaries are brought to justice.
