Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan, has challenged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Police to be on guard in a bid to arrest the menace of vote buying and ‘vote trading in the country.
Speaking when a delegation from the National Peace Committee visited him, Prof. Amupitan reaffirmed the commission’s resolve to curb the menace, revealing that relevant law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies have been placed on alert and must play their role
He said, “We specifically charged the Nigeria Police, the EFCC, and also the ICPC to be on guard so that we can arrest the menace of vote buying and what some people call ‘vote trading.”
He said the Commission will take immediate steps to act on security intelligence and risk assessments presented to it by the National Peace Committee ahead of the February 21st, 2026, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections.
While describing the presentation by the Committee as timely and valuable, the INEC Chairman said the information provided would be carefully reviewed and shared with relevant security agencies for necessary action.
He said, “You have presented to us a very great piece of information. We are not going to take it for granted. We are going to be sharing this with our security department so that we can at least take this information and take the necessary steps that we are supposed to take”.
He said the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) would receive “special scrutiny and attention,” alongside Bwari and Kuje Area Councils, based on the concerns raised.
Prof Amupitan described the Peace Accord signed by parties before elections as a social contract that binds political actors to peaceful conduct and acceptance of election outcomes, adding that activities in 2026 are critical to the Commission’s broader preparations for the 2027 General Election.
