- Elections in Nigeria have increasingly been marred by the prevalence of vote buying
- It is disturbing to see voters openly trading their votes to party agents
- Security agencies to play a stronger role in monitoring polling units
African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in the upcoming Anambra election, Mr. John Nwosu, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen measures against vote buying ahead of the November 8, 2025 poll.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Nwosu, one of the 16 candidates cleared by INEC in its June 4 statement, will contest against other political parties in a bid to unseat incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
In a statement on Saturday, Nwosu expressed concern that elections in Nigeria have increasingly been marred by the prevalence of vote buying, which he described as a direct threat to the nation’s democracy and representatives at polling stations.
This practice not only distorts the true will of the people but also turns elections into an auction where power is handed to the highest bidder,” he lamented.
He urged INEC to provide secure voting cubicles that guarantee the secrecy of the ballot, stressing that the current system leaves many voters exposed, thereby encouraging inducement and intimidation.
“Voting must remain private. Nigeria already has strong electoral laws that, if effectively implemented, can restore faith in the process and deliver credible outcomes,” Nwosu said.
The ADC candidate further appealed to security agencies to play a stronger role in monitoring polling units and curbing electoral malpractice.
“The success of any political process depends largely on security. While INEC is not solely responsible for policing elections, it must create an enabling environment that ensures citizens can cast their votes freely and without fear,” he added.
Nwosu said the Anambra poll presents an opportunity for INEC to prove its commitment to transparency, fairness, and strengthening public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
