The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on security agencies to uphold their constitutional duty of protecting citizens during elections and intensify efforts to curb vote-buying.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made the appeal during the first regular meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) for 2025. He emphasized the need for strategic coordination among security agencies to ensure smooth electoral processes.
Highlighting past successes, Yakubu noted that lessons from the Ondo State governorship election, particularly in logistics management and security deployment, would serve as a blueprint for future elections.
“Better coordination in the deployment of security and electoral officials contributed to the early commencement of polls and peaceful conduct of the election, despite the challenging terrain, especially in the riverine areas,” he said.
He stressed the importance of replicating this success in the upcoming Anambra State governorship election.
“Together, we should continue to give Nigerians a happy experience on Election Day and beyond,” he added.
Yakubu also urged security agencies to remain vigilant in tackling vote-buying, a practice that undermines electoral integrity.
“Our collaboration with law enforcement and anti-graft agencies has been fruitful. Beyond the arrest of vote buyers on Election Day, our active partnership has led to the successful prosecution of offenders in three states,” he revealed.
He further highlighted that the issue extends beyond polling units to party primaries, where delegates are often targeted for financial inducement.
“As you are aware, the problem also manifests itself during party primaries for the election of candidates. Just as voters are targeted at polling units on Election Day, so too is delegate-buying at congresses and conventions,” Yakubu stated.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to working closely with security agencies to enhance electoral credibility and safeguard democracy in Nigeria.
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