The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced that it has achieved over 80 per cent preparedness for the conduct of the 2027 general elections, while issuing a stern warning to political parties and candidates to steer clear of vote buying and other electoral malpractices.
The disclosure was made by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Anambra State, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, during a crucial stakeholders’ meeting convened by the commission in Awka, the Anambra State capital, ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
The meeting, which brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, was attended by representatives of various political parties, candidates contesting for different positions, community leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, security agencies and members of the media.
Addressing participants at the forum, Dr. Agwu stated that the electoral body has made substantial progress in its preparations for the 2027 elections, adding that logistics, training of personnel, and deployment of electoral materials are already at advanced stages of completion.
According to her, the commission has been working round the clock to ensure that all necessary arrangements are put in place well ahead of the elections, in order to avoid the challenges that have characterized previous exercises and to deliver a credible, transparent and acceptable poll.
She explained that INEC has been engaging in early planning, voter education, and continuous voter registration activities, as well as upgrading its technology and operational systems to ensure that the 2027 elections meet global standards and reflect the true will of the people.
Dr. Agwu, however, used the opportunity to send a strong warning to politicians and their supporters against engaging in vote buying, vote selling and other forms of inducement that undermine the integrity of the electoral process and the democratic rights of citizens.
She stressed that the commission will not tolerate any act capable of compromising the credibility of the elections, noting that vote buying remains a serious electoral offense under the Electoral Act and is punishable by law with severe consequences for offenders.
The Anambra REC disclosed that INEC has put in place robust mechanisms to monitor campaign spending by political parties and candidates, in line with the provisions of the law that stipulate limits for election expenses for various elective positions.
She said the commission will be working closely with security agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and other relevant anti-graft agencies to track illicit funds, monitor campaign financing, and ensure that anyone caught buying votes is promptly arrested and prosecuted.
Dr. Agwu warned that the days of impunity are over, as the commission is determined to enforce the law to its fullest and ensure that the electoral process is not hijacked by moneybags who seek to influence the outcome of elections through financial inducement.
She urged politicians to redirect their resources and energy towards meaningful engagement with the electorate, by clearly articulating their manifestos, programmes and developmental plans, rather than resorting to sharing money to sway voters.
According to her, democracy thrives when voters are allowed to make informed choices based on the credibility, competence and programmes of candidates, and not on how much money they are given at polling units or during campaign rallies.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner also called on voters themselves to resist any attempt to buy their votes, emphasizing that selling their votes amounts to mortgaging their future and the future of their children for a meagre and temporary financial gain.
She noted that vote buying not only undermines the principle of one man, one vote, but also promotes bad leadership, as those who buy their way into office often feel no obligation to serve the people or deliver on their campaign promises.
Dr. Agwu appealed to community leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and the media to join hands with INEC in sensitizing the public on the dangers of vote buying and the need to protect the sanctity of the ballot as the foundation of democracy.
She assured stakeholders that the commission will remain neutral, impartial and committed to providing a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, regardless of their affiliation, status or financial strength.
The REC also reiterated that INEC will deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, and the INEC Result Viewing Portal, IReV, as well as other technological innovations to enhance transparency, prevent rigging and ensure that every vote counts in the 2027 elections.
In their separate responses, some of the stakeholders present at the meeting commended INEC for its level of preparedness and for convening the engagement, while pledging to support the commission in its efforts to conduct free, fair and credible elections.
They, however, urged the commission to address other critical issues such as voter apathy, insecurity in some parts of the state, and the need for more intensive voter education, especially at the grassroots, to ensure massive participation in the 2027 general elections.
