The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Prof. Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to urgently refer allegations of vote-buying and undue influence during the recent Anambra State governorship elections to the appropriate anti-corruption agencies and the police.
In a letter dated November 8, 2025, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation warned that failure to act would compel it to take legal action to ensure accountability.
SERAP called on INEC to work with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and security agencies to identify, name, and prosecute those responsible, including their sponsors.
The watchdog highlighted widespread cases of electoral bribery across Anambra, noting that voters were openly paid amounts ranging from ₦2,000 to ₦10,000 in multiple polling units, including Anambra East, Ihiala, Onitsha North, Orumba North, and Aguata LGAs.
Some party agents reportedly used money transfer platforms and maintained informal logs of voters who had received payments, reflecting a systematic pattern of corruption.
SERAP described the incidents as a major threat to Nigeria’s democratic process and warned that impunity for such offences encourages further malpractice in future elections.
The organisation urged INEC to take immediate action to uphold electoral integrity and protect Nigerians’ constitutional right to vote.
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