The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the upcoming Anambra governorship election, Mr. John Nwosu, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take stronger measures against vote buying, warning that the practice threatens the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Nwosu, who is one of 16 governorship candidates listed by INEC for the November 8, 2025 election, made the appeal in a statement released on Saturday.
He said vote trading remains a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy and could undermine the legitimacy of the Anambra poll if not urgently addressed.
“It is disturbing to witness voters openly selling their votes at polling units,” Nwosu said.
“Such practices do not reflect the will of the people, they turn elections into auctions where leadership is handed to the highest bidder.”
Nwosu’s ADC will be challenging incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), among others, in what is expected to be a closely watched race.
He called on INEC to adopt more secure voting cubicles that ensure voter privacy and reduce opportunities for vote buying and coercion.
“Many polling units lack privacy,” he noted.
“When people can see how others vote, it compromises the secrecy of the ballot and encourages manipulation. INEC must act decisively by providing private and secure voting areas.”
Nwosu stressed that Nigeria already has strong electoral laws, but their impact depends on strict enforcement.
He believes the Anambra election offers INEC a chance to prove its commitment to free, fair, and credible elections.
Beyond the commission, he also urged security agencies to take vote buying seriously, calling security a crucial component of successful elections.
“Security plays a central role in ensuring fair electoral outcomes. While INEC leads the process, collaboration with security agencies is vital to create an environment where voters can exercise their rights freely and safely,” he said.
Nwosu’s comments come as public concern grows over recurring incidents of vote buying in Nigerian elections, often in full view of security and electoral officials.
