Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has asked the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, to refer alleged cases of vote buying and undue influence recorded during the Anambra governorship election to anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution.
SERAP made the call in a letter dated 8 November 2025 and signed by the organisation’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare.
It said the Anambra election witnessed widespread incidents of cash exchange and inducement across multiple polling units.
“The recurring cases of vote buying and undue influence make a mockery of Nigeria’s electoral process and participatory democracy,” SERAP wrote.
The group said 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.
“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 stated.
It added that vote buying reportedly took place in the full view of election officials, with agents allegedly offering amounts ranging from ₦2,000 to ₦10,000 depending on the polling unit.
“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 organisation said.
SERAP warned that failure to address the allegations could erode voter confidence and cast doubt on the legitimacy of democratic outcomes.
“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.”
The organisation gave INEC seven days to respond.
“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,” the letter added.
“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,” the letter cited.
It was reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission dismissed allegations of widespread vote-buying during Saturday’s Anambra State governorship election, insisting that no credible evidence had been presented to support the claims.
The clarification comes amid allegations by the All Progressives Grand Alliance governorship candidate, Chukwuma Soludo, that incidents of vote-buying were recorded in some polling units in Nnewi South Local Government Area of the state.
Similarly, the Labour Party governorship candidate, George Moghalu, and his African Action Congress counterpart, Chioma Ifemeludike, alleged that voters were openly selling their votes for between ₦3,000 and ₦5,000, reportedly under the supervision of unidentified agents.
However, speaking on Channels Television’s News at 10 on Saturday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Anambra State, Queen Agwu, described the allegations as unsubstantiated and urged anyone with proof to come forward.
The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Anambra State, Nicholas Ukachukwu, had alleged widespread vote buying at the governorship election in the state.
Ukachukwu made the allegation in an interview shortly after casting his vote at Polling Unit 012, Umudimala Amaihe Hall, Osumenyi in Nnewi South Local Government Area of the state.
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