The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties and candidates against vote buying ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying it will monitor campaign spending and pursue the prosecution of offenders.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, Dr Queen Elizabeth Agwu, issued the warning on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by political party leaders and representatives, candidates, community leaders and media practitioners.
Agwu urged voters to report incidents of vote buying, arguing that candidates should use campaign funds to communicate their plans to the electorate rather than attempting to influence voting decisions with money.
“We will monitor vote buying, and we are urging people to report vote buyers,” she said, adding that political parties should take responsibility for the practice instead of blaming the electoral commission.
She also called on candidates to focus their campaigns on policy proposals and their plans for addressing voters’ concerns.
The REC warned against personal attacks and defamatory campaigns, urging political parties to avoid issues unrelated to candidates’ competence and proposed programmes.
“We don’t want a repeat of what happened during the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State where people were talking about families and other matters away from the election. INEC will not accept it,” Agwu said.
She urged candidates to campaign peacefully and orderly, warning them against recruiting thugs to disrupt the electoral process.
“Election is about planning. You must plan; you must engage the people; you don’t just jump out hoping to win because you have paid young boys to disrupt the process for you,” she said.
INEC assures stakeholders of election preparedness
Agwu also assured stakeholders that the commission was preparing for the 2027 general elections and expressed confidence in its readiness.
“INEC is ready for the coming elections, and we have made adequate preparations, and I want to assure you there will be no glitches in the 2027 elections,” she said.
She urged political parties and their candidates to begin preparations early, while encouraging them to engage voters through peaceful campaigns.
The REC maintained that Anambra had recorded credible elections since the 2023 general election, describing the state’s electoral process as free, fair, credible, inclusive and conclusive.
Agwu further announced that INEC’s online portal was open for applications for various ad hoc positions, encouraging qualified residents of Anambra State to apply.
Her remarks come as the commission calls on political parties, candidates and voters to support a credible electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.
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