Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has asked the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, to address the alleged cases of vote buying during the Anambra governorship election. SERAP recently revealed that the cases of vote buying and undue influence should be referred to anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution.
In a letter dated 8 November 2025 and signed by the organisation’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group revealed that the Anambra poll was marred by widespread incidents of cash exchange and inducement across several polling units.
According to SERAP, it expected immediate referral of alleged offenders to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the police, but that has not happened yet.
“The recurring cases of vote buying and undue influence make a mockery of Nigeria’s electoral process and participatory democracy.
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,” it read.
The association further noted that vote buying reportedly took place in the presence of election officials, with agents allegedly offering amounts ranging from ₦2,000 to ₦10,000 depending on the polling unit.
SERAP concluded by saying that electoral malpractice must be effectively addressed because electoral integrity is central to Nigeria’s democracy.
“At Igboukwu Ward 2, Central School PU 017, party agents were reportedly seen distributing ₦5,000 to voters openly, without any response or deterrent from security personnel.
The effective prosecution of electoral bribery and vote buying would serve a legitimate aim, namely, the proper functioning and maintenance of the democratic and electoral processes.
We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and INEC to comply with our request.
Electoral bribery and vote buying undermine the ability of INEC to discharge its responsibilities under the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
Electoral bribery and vote buying reportedly committed during the governorship election in Anambra state are contrary to the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act and international standards.
The Nigerian Constitution provides in Section 14(1)(c) that, ‘the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.
Sections 121 and 127 of the Electoral Act prohibit electoral bribery and undue influence before, during and after any election. Section 145(2) provides that, ‘a prosecution under this Act shall be undertaken by legal officers of the Commission or any legal practitioner appointed by it.
Under section 2(a) and (b), the commission ‘shall have power to conduct voter and civic education and to promote knowledge of sound democratic election processes,” it added.
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