Why We’ve Not Charged Those Arrested for Vote-Buying in Anambra — INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why individuals arrested for vote-buying during the recent Anambra State governorship election have not yet been brought to court.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum on elections organized by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room in Abuja on Thursday, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, said the Commission is legally empowered to prosecute electoral offenders but depends on investigation reports from the security agencies that made the arrests.

“We are in communication with the police, the EFCC, and other relevant agencies to obtain the necessary investigation reports,” Amupitan said. “INEC has the power to prosecute, not to arrest, and we are working to ensure that those arrested will have their day in court.”

Amupitan also highlighted the importance of pairing technological integrity with political accountability to secure democracy. He noted that poor telecommunication networks remain a major challenge in transmitting real-time results from Nigeria’s 176,000 polling units, many of which are in remote areas.

The Commission continues to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure electoral offenders face justice.