The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged the National Assembly to enact stricter laws prohibiting politicians from carrying large sums of money at polling units to curb vote-buying and electoral malpractice.
This call was made at a consultative meeting in Abuja on Friday, where Hon. Adebayo Balogun, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, announced plans for a 2025 Electoral Act to replace the current 2022 version, which he said had exposed gaps during the 2023 elections.
Speaking at the meeting, INEC’s Director of Litigation and Prosecution, Tanimu Muhammed (SAN), expressed concerns over the rising trend of vote-buying, which he described as a significant threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Muhammed explained that politicians often justify carrying large sums of cash on election day for party agent payments and logistics, but this practice has fueled vote-buying and undermined electoral integrity.
“Vote-buying remains one of the biggest threats to credible elections in Nigeria. We need legislation that not only criminalizes this practice but also puts preventive measures in place,” he stated.
To address the issue, INEC proposed that individuals should not be allowed to carry more than ₦50,000 within polling areas, making it easier for security agencies to detect electoral fraud.
Beyond vote-buying, INEC reiterated its long-standing demand for the creation of an Electoral Offenses Commission, arguing that the electoral body lacks the capacity to effectively prosecute offenders.
“INEC is doing its best to handle prosecutions, but we need a dedicated institution with the legal authority and resources to investigate and prosecute electoral crimes comprehensively,” Muhammed added.
The Ondo Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, supported the proposal, stating that limiting cash transactions at polling units would make it harder for politicians to influence voters with financial inducements.
“If we set a cash limit, security agencies will have clearer guidelines on what constitutes an electoral offense, making enforcement easier,” she noted.
Representatives of security agencies at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring free and fair elections but acknowledged major logistical and coordination challenges.
Commissioner of Police in charge of Election Planning and Evaluation, Abayomi Shogunle, who represented the Inspector General of Police, highlighted the difficulties faced by law enforcement in remote areas during elections.
“We face major logistical challenges, from deploying officers to remote areas to ensuring real-time communication. These issues need to be addressed if we are to effectively enforce electoral laws,” Shogunle said.
Despite these challenges, security agencies pledged to remain neutral and professional in carrying out their election duties.
Responding to INEC’s concerns, Hon. Adebayo Balogun assured that the National Assembly would address all issues raised in the proposed 2025 Electoral Act.
“The 2022 Electoral Act was a significant step forward, but its implementation in the last general elections showed areas that need improvement. We are committed to strengthening our electoral laws to reflect the realities of our democracy,” Balogun said.
He emphasized the need for greater awareness among political parties, INEC officials, and civil society organizations on the dangers of vote-buying and other electoral offenses.
“The Nigerian people deserve an electoral process they can trust. We must ensure that our laws are not just strong on paper but are also effectively enforced,” he added.
