The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has urged security agencies to intensify efforts in curbing the practice of vote-buying ahead of the Edo State Governorship election.

Yakubu particularly called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take the lead in targeting individuals or groups planning to engage in this illegal activity during Election Day.

Speaking at a meeting with the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in Benin, the Edo State capital, Yakubu emphasized that both national and international communities are closely watching the conduct of the election.

He stressed the critical importance of cooperation between INEC and security agencies to ensure that the election is not only peaceful but also credible.

According to him, a strong partnership is essential in safeguarding the democratic process and maintaining public confidence in the electoral system.

Yakubu expressed deep concerns over the rise of vote-buying, which he described as a direct threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.

He pointed out that as INEC continues to improve the electoral process, certain individuals try to find ways to undermine it by purchasing votes at polling units.

“You need to deploy a strategy for combating vote-buying.

It has been a feature in our elections, and the more INEC improves on the processes, the more some people try to beat the process by now going to buy the votes at the polling units,” Yakubu stated.

He also made an important observation, noting that the very act of vote-buying indicates that votes are becoming more influential.

“If people are buying votes, it means that the votes are counting, and that’s why they are buying them.

But we cannot allow vote-buyers to dictate the outcomes of our democratic elections.

Our system is based on democracy by the people, for the people, and not plutocracy, where only the wealthy hold power,” he remarked.

On security measures, the Commissioner of Police for Edo State, Nemo Edwin-Iwo, assured that the police and other security agencies are fully prepared to secure the election.

He outlined the steps taken to ensure that the state remains peaceful before, during, and after the voting process.

He revealed that the police had conducted a comprehensive review of their security strategies and, in collaboration with other agencies, were ready to deploy sufficient personnel to monitor the election effectively.

The goal is to maintain full control of the security situation and prevent any disruptions or violence.

Edwin-Iwo confirmed that security forces are also keeping a close watch on non-state actors, emphasizing that no group will be allowed to disrupt the election.

He added that preliminary actions have already been taken against individuals or groups suspected of planning to cause unrest or interfere with the electoral process.

Both Yakubu’s call for a crackdown on vote-buying and the police’s assurances of heightened security reflect a determined effort to ensure that the Edo State Governorship election is free, fair, and devoid of undue influence.

As the election draws near, the collaboration between INEC and security agencies will be critical in maintaining public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.