The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria has proactively cautioned against the practice of vote buying as the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections approach on February 21, 2026. During a recent stakeholders' meeting held in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, emphasized the agency's commitment to ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process. In his address, he underscored that offenders caught engaging in vote trading would face arrests and prosecution as per the legal framework governing electoral conduct in Nigeria.

To mitigate the risks associated with electoral malpractice, INEC has collaborated with key governmental agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), who will be deployed to polling units during the elections. This strategic partnership aims to enhance the integrity of the voting process and provide a deterrent against any illicit activities such as vote buying, which undermines democratic principles.

The INEC chairman’s remarks highlight a growing concern within Nigeria’s electoral system regarding the influence of corruption on the democratic process. The Commission’s efforts to address vote buying signal a critical step toward fostering a more accountable political environment. With measures in place to ensure voter protection and transparency, INEC aims to build public trust in the electoral process as citizens prepare to participate in the upcoming elections, thereby reinforcing the foundations of democracy within the region.