Dare Babalola
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to identify, name, and prosecute individuals involved in alleged vote-buying during the Anambra governorship election.
In a statement posted on SERAP’s social media pages on Saturday, the group emphasised that impunity for such electoral offenses undermines Nigeria’s democratic process and denies citizens their right to participate in governance.
The group wrote, “#AnambraDecides2025: 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.
“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.”
The Anambra governorship election has been marred by widespread allegations of vote buying, with all major candidates and stakeholders accusing each other of indulging in the electoral malpractice.
The claims have sparked concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and raised questions about the credibility of the outcome.
The allegations have come from various quarters, with each camp vehemently denying involvement and accusing others of bribing voters. The situation has created tension and uncertainty, casting a shadow over the election.
Electoral observers and civil society groups have also expressed concerns about the prevalence of vote buying, calling on the electoral authorities to take swift action to prevent further malpractices and ensure a credible process.
