In a strong condemnation of electoral malpractices, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to swiftly transfer all individuals implicated in vote-buying during the recent Anambra State governorship election to appropriate anti-corruption bodies for thorough investigation and legal action. This urgent appeal comes amid widespread reports of brazen inducements that undermined the integrity of the poll, highlighting a persistent threat to Nigeria's democratic framework.
The demand was articulated in an official letter dated November 8, 2025, penned and signed by SERAP's Deputy Director, Mr. Kolawole Oluwadare. Addressed directly to INEC's leadership, the correspondence pulls no punches in detailing the extent of the irregularities observed. According to SERAP, agents affiliated with various political parties were caught openly distributing cash incentives to voters at multiple polling stations throughout Anambra State. The amounts reportedly varied from a modest ₦2,000 to as much as ₦10,000 per voter, depending on the location and the audacity of the operatives involved.
SERAP's statement paints a vivid picture of a flawed electoral exercise, asserting that "the recurring cases of vote buying and undue influence make a mockery of Nigeria’s electoral process and participatory democracy." This is not merely rhetorical flair; it reflects a deeper concern about the erosion of public confidence in the nation's voting system. Vote-buying, as described, transforms what should be a sacred civic duty into a transactional marketplace, where ballots are traded like commodities rather than expressions of free will.
Field monitors deployed by SERAP provided eyewitness accounts that further corroborate these allegations. Their observations revealed that such inducements occurred flagrantly in the presence of both election officials and security personnel, who appeared either complicit or ineffective in their duties. There was scant evidence of intervention to halt the activities, allowing the malpractice to proceed unchecked in many instances. This passive oversight, SERAP argues, not only enabled the corruption but also signaled a troubling normalization of electoral fraud.
A particularly egregious example highlighted in the letter occurred at Polling Unit 017 in Central School, Igboukwu Ward 2. Here, party agents were allegedly spotted handing out ₦5,000 notes to voters right under the noses of security agents stationed at the site. The scene, as recounted, unfolded in broad daylight, with no immediate arrests or disruptions. Such incidents were not isolated; similar reports emerged from other wards and local government areas across Anambra, suggesting a coordinated effort to sway the election outcome through financial manipulation.
SERAP warns that without decisive action, the cycle of impunity will persist. "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," the organization cautioned. This prophecy of recurring misconduct underscores the long-term damage to Nigeria's polity. If left unaddressed, vote-buying could entrench a culture where electoral victories are purchased rather than earned through policy merit or popular support, ultimately disenfranchising the majority who participate honestly.
To break this vicious cycle, SERAP has outlined clear directives for INEC. The commission is urged to compile and forward all available evidence— including video footage, witness statements, and any internal reports—to key anti-graft institutions. Specifically, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Police Force are named as the primary agencies to handle the probes. SERAP insists on "prompt investigation and prosecution," emphasizing that delays could allow evidence to deteriorate or suspects to evade justice.
The broader implications of SERAP's intervention extend beyond the Anambra election. Electoral corruption, in all its forms, strikes at the heart of democratic governance. It distorts representation, favors the wealthy and connected, and marginalizes ordinary citizens whose voices are drowned out by cash. In a country like Nigeria, where elections are pivotal for leadership transitions and policy direction, such practices exacerbate socio-economic inequalities. Voters induced by immediate financial gain may overlook candidates' competence or visions for development, leading to suboptimal governance outcomes.
SERAP's advocacy aligns with its longstanding mission to promote transparency, accountability, and human rights. Founded as a non-governmental organization, it has consistently challenged systemic abuses through legal action, public campaigns, and policy recommendations. In this case, the group's push for prosecutions serves as a litmus test for INEC's commitment to electoral reforms. The commission, tasked with overseeing free and fair polls, has faced criticism in past elections for similar lapses. Anambra's governorship race, held amid high stakes and intense political rivalries, provided yet another arena for these issues to surface.
Moreover, the involvement of security officials in failing to act raises questions about institutional coordination and training. Were these personnel adequately briefed on their roles in preventing electoral offenses? Did resource constraints or political pressures hinder their effectiveness? SERAP's call implicitly demands answers to these queries, alongside tangible reforms to empower on-ground enforcers.
Restoring public trust, as SERAP emphasizes, is paramount for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy. Trust is the bedrock of any electoral system; when eroded, voter turnout declines, cynicism grows, and extremist elements may exploit the vacuum. By prosecuting vote-buyers—be they party agents, financiers, or enablers—the authorities can send a deterrent message. Successful convictions would not only punish the Anambra culprits but also set precedents for national elections, including the next general polls.
In conclusion, SERAP's letter represents a clarion call for accountability in Nigeria's electoral landscape. The reported vote-buying in Anambra, with cash exchanges ranging from ₦2,000 to ₦10,000 and incidents like the one at Igboukwu Ward 2, exemplifies the urgency of the matter. INEC's response will be closely watched, as will the actions of the EFCC, ICPC, and police. Tackling this corruption head-on is essential to safeguarding participatory democracy, ensuring that votes reflect genuine choice rather than induced compliance. Only through rigorous investigation, prosecution, and systemic safeguards can Nigeria aspire to elections that truly embody the will of its people. As the nation reflects on Anambra's outcome, SERAP's intervention reminds all stakeholders that democracy's health depends on vigilance against those who seek to corrupt it for personal or partisan gain.
