In a renewed effort to protect Nigeria’s electoral process, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling vote-buying and electoral malpractice ahead of the 2025 and 2026 elections.
Speaking at the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, identified vote-buying as a major threat to free and fair elections, calling for stronger collaboration among security agencies to curb financial inducements.
Crackdown on Electoral Malpractice
Prof. Yakubu stressed that vote-buying extends beyond election day, pointing to financial inducement during party primaries as a key concern.
> “With the Anambra State governorship primaries scheduled for next month and the FCT Area Council elections set for June, security agencies must adopt proactive measures to ensure electoral credibility,” he stated.
He further highlighted that recent successful prosecutions in three states resulted from close collaboration with law enforcement and anti-graft agencies.
> “Beyond arresting vote buyers on election day, our active collaboration with anti-graft agencies has led to successful prosecutions,” Yakubu noted.
Election Logistics & Security Enhancements
Yakubu emphasized the importance of securing election logistics, citing lessons from the Ondo State governorship election, where improved coordination facilitated early voting and a peaceful election despite difficult terrain in riverine areas.
He urged security agencies to replicate this success in the Anambra governorship election on November 8, 2025, ensuring a smooth voting process.
NSA Calls for Technological Innovation in Election Security
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Hassan Abdullahi, Director of Internal Security at the NSA’s office, commended security agencies and INEC for strengthening election security in Edo and Ondo States.
He emphasized the role of technology in securing elections, highlighting:
Drone surveillance
Advanced communication systems
Real-time monitoring for rapid security response
These innovations, Ribadu said, helped mitigate threats and enhance voter safety.
Concerns Over Voter Apathy & Future Election Security
Despite improved security, Ribadu expressed concern over voter apathy in Edo and Ondo elections, urging greater public engagement ahead of upcoming polls.
> “While voter turnout fell below expectations, the electorate conducted themselves commendably. Aside from a few cases of agitation over delayed voting, the elections remained peaceful,” he observed.
He assured that special security attention will be given to the Anambra governorship election (Nov. 8, 2025) and the FCT Area Council elections (Feb. 21, 2026). Additionally, 16 bye-elections will be conducted across 12 states to fill vacant legislative seats at both federal and state levels.
“As we prepare for these crucial elections, we must strengthen security coordination, reinforce law enforcement interventions, and uphold electoral integrity t
o safeguard Nigeria’s democracy,” Ribadu affirmed.
