The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to immediately refer all cases of vote buying and undue influence recorded during the Anambra governorship election to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation and prosecution.
In a letter dated 8 November 2025, and signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP’s Deputy Director, the organisation expressed concern over widespread reports of cash inducements and voter manipulation across several polling units in the state.
“The recurring cases of vote buying and undue influence make a mockery of Nigeria’s electoral process and participatory democracy,” the letter stated.
SERAP cited several instances where voters were allegedly paid between ₦2,000 and ₦10,000, noting that such acts reportedly occurred “in the full view of election officials and security personnel.”
At Igboukwu Ward 2, Central School PU 017, the group said party agents were “openly distributing ₦5,000 to voters without any form of deterrence.”
The organisation warned that failure to act decisively would embolden future offenders and undermine democratic integrity.
“Unless the legacy of impunity for these grave electoral offences is combated and perpetrators effectively prosecuted, those contemplating vote buying will feel unconstrained in future elections,” SERAP said.
It gave INEC a seven-day ultimatum to take the recommended actions or face legal proceedings compelling compliance.
In a statement signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP emphasised that the effective prosecution of electoral bribery “would serve a legitimate aim — the proper functioning and maintenance of democratic and electoral processes.”
The group also cited relevant provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act, which criminalise electoral bribery and empower INEC to promote civic education and democratic accountability.
Meanwhile, INEC had dismissed the allegations of widespread vote buying, stating that no credible evidence had been presented. The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Anambra State, Queen Agwu, maintained that the claims were “unsubstantiated” and urged anyone with proof to come forward.
Both Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of APGA and Dr. George Moghalu of the Labour Party had earlier alleged cases of financial inducement in some polling units during the election.
