INEC denies vote-buying allegations amid Anambra election controversy, dismissing claims as baseless while EFCC arrests suspects linked to alleged voter inducement.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reacted strongly to reports accusing it of overlooking massive voter inducement during Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State.
The electoral body insisted that such claims were untrue and unsupported by credible evidence, stressing that the entire process was closely monitored by officials, observers, and security agencies.
According to the commission, no verified reports of electoral malpractice were received during or after the voting exercise. With this clarification, INEC denies vote-buying allegations that have dominated public discussions since the polls closed, calling them “rumours without proof.”
The allegations first surfaced when some leading candidates, including All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) flag bearer Professor Chukwuma Soludo, Labour Party’s George Moghalu, and African Action Congress (AAC) candidate Chioma Ifemeludike, accused unnamed political agents of bribing voters in selected polling units.
Reports claimed that voters in parts of Nnewi South and nearby local government areas sold their votes for between ₦3,000 and ₦5,000.
These accusations quickly drew public attention, raising concerns about the credibility of the election. However, the commission emphasized that none of its accredited officials, ad-hoc workers, or election observers reported such activities throughout the exercise.
Speaking during a live interview on Channels Television’s News at 10, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra State, Queen Agwu, said that INEC denies vote-buying allegations in their entirety because no tangible proof was presented to the commission.
“Vote-buying is a serious electoral offence. If anyone has credible information, they should come forward with evidence,” Agwu said. “You cannot go on national television to make sweeping allegations without presenting verifiable facts and figures.”
Agwu further revealed that INEC’s situation room tracked real-time updates from all 21 local government areas during the voting process, and no confirmed incident of vote-buying or inducement was recorded.
“From the situation room, there was no report of material delay and no verified case of vote-buying. None of our presiding officers or accredited observers filed such reports,” she explained. “To me, it remains a rumour, and rumours cannot stand without proof.”
The REC said the commission maintained open communication with electoral supervisors, field agents, and security operatives, all of whom confirmed that the process was largely peaceful and transparent.
She added that INEC’s digital platforms — particularly the Result Viewing Portal (IReV) — functioned seamlessly, enabling quick transmission of polling unit results.
“Our systems were fully functional. The prompt upload of results on the IReV portal ensured transparency and accountability throughout the process,” she stated.
While acknowledging that there were isolated cases of crowd pressure in a few voting centres, Agwu maintained that the logistical arrangements and security deployment were effective.
Electoral materials arrived promptly in most polling units, and polling officials were adequately trained to handle any irregularities.
Security operatives were also commended for maintaining order. The REC noted that coordination between INEC and security agencies helped to de-escalate tensions in areas where disagreements or technical delays occurred.
Observers from civil society organizations, including Yiaga Africa and the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), corroborated INEC’s position, confirming that they did not witness any widespread cases of vote-buying during their field observation missions.
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed that three suspects had been arrested for alleged involvement in vote-buying during the Anambra governorship election.
The suspects, identified as Emeka Ilokasia (Njikoka LGA), Nwachukwu Loretta (Oyi LGA), and Emuka Chuwudi (Dunukofia LGA) — were apprehended by EFCC operatives during a routine election monitoring operation.
A statement from the commission disclosed that the suspects were found in possession of cash and other incriminating materials believed to have been used to induce voters. Investigations, according to the EFCC, are still ongoing, and the suspects will face prosecution once inquiries are concluded.
The EFCC stressed that vote-buying undermines democratic integrity and violates the provisions of Nigeria’s Electoral Act. It reiterated its readiness to collaborate with INEC to ensure that future elections remain free from the influence of money politics.
Public reactions to the development have been mixed. While some citizens commended INEC for swiftly addressing the issue, others called for an independent investigation to ensure that all allegations were properly scrutinized.
Nonetheless, INEC denies vote-buying allegations, urging political actors to avoid making unverified claims that could erode public confidence in the electoral process.
“INEC operates strictly on facts. If anyone has tangible proof of misconduct, they should report it through official channels,” Queen Agwu said.
“Spreading false information without evidence can create unnecessary tension and cast doubts on the integrity of the election.”
She emphasized that the commission’s credibility depends on evidence-based evaluation rather than public speculation.
Agwu also addressed concerns about voter turnout, noting that it was too early to make a conclusive judgment until results were fully collated.
“We will determine turnout based on actual figures collated across polling units. But from initial observations, participation appeared encouraging, with many first-time voters showing enthusiasm,” she explained.
Reports from field observers confirmed that several polling units recorded orderly conduct, while vulnerable groups — including the elderly and persons with disabilities — were given priority access to vote.
The REC described the overall election environment as “peaceful, credible, and transparent,” adding that INEC remained committed to protecting the sanctity of the ballot.
As results continued to trickle in from various polling units, INEC reiterated its determination to uphold integrity and transparency throughout the collation process. The commission assured Nigerians that it would continue to strengthen its mechanisms to detect and prevent electoral fraud.
“We are dedicated to building trust in Nigeria’s electoral system,” Agwu affirmed. “Our focus is to ensure that every vote counts and that the process reflects the will of the people.”
The commission urged candidates and political parties to respect the rules of engagement, refrain from inflammatory statements, and allow due process to prevail.
INEC denies vote-buying allegations in the Anambra governorship election, emphasizing that no verifiable evidence has been presented to prove that such incidents occurred.
While the EFCC continues its investigation into three suspected offenders, the electoral commission maintains that its procedures were transparent, secure, and credible.
INEC called on all stakeholders — including political parties, civil society groups, and the media — to work together to promote electoral integrity, strengthen public trust, and safeguard Nigeria’s democracy from the corrosive influence of money politics.
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