The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has reiterated the urgent need for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to tackle vote buying during elections effectively.
Speaking in Akure, the Ondo State capital, after Saturday’s polls, the Executive Director of the organisation, Faith Nwadishi, recounted an incident where a police officer harassed an election observer in an attempt to solicit funds.
Highlighting the detrimental impact of vote trading on Nigeria’s democratic progress, Nwadishi stressed that security agencies must take the lead, working in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, to develop and implement effective strategies to combat this malpractice.
The CTA commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for taking decisive action by arresting a vote buyer during the election.
While noting the low voter turnout across the state, Nwadishi also highlighted inspiring participation from elderly voters.
The CTA called for stricter measures to curb vote buying and recommended that INEC sustain its improved logistical strategies, particularly the early deployment of materials to hard-to-reach areas at least 24 hours before election day.
The organisation also urged political parties to prioritise educating their agents and shifting their focus toward mobilizing voters rather than engaging in vote trading.
