The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately refer all individuals and political agents involved in alleged vote-buying during the just-concluded Anambra governorship election to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the police for thorough investigation and prosecution.
In a letter dated November 8, 2025, and signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP described the reported cases of cash inducements and undue influence across several polling units as “a mockery of Nigeria’s electoral process and participatory democracy.”
The group stated that incidents of vote-buying were allegedly recorded in multiple areas of the state, with party agents said to have distributed cash openly to voters while election officials and security personnel looked on.
“At Igboukwu Ward 2, Central School Polling Unit 017, agents were reportedly seen handing ₦5,000 to voters in full view of security officers without any intervention,” SERAP noted.
According to the organisation, the amounts exchanged reportedly ranged between ₦2,000 and ₦10,000, depending on the polling location. It said such brazen acts directly undermined Nigeria’s constitutional guarantee of free and fair elections.
“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 warned.
The organisation gave INEC seven days to respond to its demand, stressing that failure to act would compel it to pursue legal action
Reports gathered from election observers and citizens on the ground alleged that incidents of vote-buying occurred in Anambra East, Ihiala, Orumba North, Onitsha North, and parts of Nnewi South. Witnesses claimed that some agents even operated from nearby houses or shops to distribute cash and other items to voters.
In a separate development, some candidates in the election also raised concerns over financial inducements at polling centres. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Chukwuma Soludo, the Labour Party’s George Moghalu, and African Action Congress candidate Chioma Ifemeludike each alleged that voters were offered between ₦3,000 and ₦5,000 to sway their choices.
However, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Anambra State, Queen Agwu, dismissed the allegations as “unsubstantiated,” saying no credible evidence had been presented to INEC. She urged anyone with proof to come forward, insisting that the Commission maintained strict neutrality throughout the process.
“INEC cannot act based on hearsay. We need verifiable evidence before any action can be taken,” she said during a live appearance on Channels Television’s News at 10 on Saturday night.
SERAP cited the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, particularly Sections 121 and 127, which criminalise electoral bribery and undue influence before, during, or after elections. The group argued that these provisions placed a direct duty on INEC to ensure offenders are prosecuted, either through its legal officers or by appointing external counsel.
“Electoral bribery and vote-buying undermine INEC’s ability to discharge its constitutional responsibility and threaten the foundation of democracy itself,” the group stated.
The organisation added that the consistent failure to hold offenders accountable had emboldened perpetrators who see electoral malpractice as a low-risk, high-reward political investment.
Public reaction to the allegations has been mixed. While many Nigerians on social media applauded SERAP’s firm stance, others questioned whether any real change would follow. Some citizens argued that the call for prosecution would remain symbolic unless INEC and law enforcement agencies demonstrated genuine commitment.
Political analyst and lecturer Dr Kingsley Ofor, speaking to The Punch in Awka, said:
“We’ve seen similar calls after every major election. The real test is not in the letters or press statements, but in actual arrests, charges, and convictions. Until that happens, politicians will keep buying votes like commodities in the open market.”
Another observer, Ngozi Ezeanya, who monitored the poll in Onitsha, expressed disappointment.
“You could literally see people collecting money, even within sight of police officers. If this isn’t punished, what message are we sending to young voters?” she asked.
SERAP stressed that vote-buying “erodes voter confidence, distorts genuine representation, and casts doubt on the legitimacy of democratic outcomes.” The group maintained that referring offenders to the EFCC and ICPC was not merely symbolic but a constitutional necessity.
“The right to vote is fundamental and the essence of a democratic society. Any restriction or distortion of that right strikes at the heart of representative government,” it said.
It urged INEC Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan to act decisively, warning that complacency could deepen public distrust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
