INEC Speaks: Reasons Behind The Hold-Up In Charging Anambra Vote-Buying Suspects

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why individuals arrested for vote-buying during the recent Anambra State governorship election have yet to be arraigned.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum on elections organized by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room on Thursday in Abuja, INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan said the Commission cannot prosecute the suspects because security agencies have not submitted their investigation reports.

Amupitan noted that, although INEC is legally empowered to prosecute electoral offenders, it does not have the statutory mandate or capacity to arrest suspects.

“I am glad you are aware that some people were arrested, and you are asking, ‘What has INEC done?’ We are engaging with the police, EFCC, and other relevant agencies. We need their investigation reports regarding those arrested,” he said.

He added, “The power of INEC is to prosecute, not to arrest. We currently do not have that capacity. We are working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those arrested will eventually face court proceedings.”

Amupitan emphasized that safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy requires combining technological advancements with genuine political accountability.

He also highlighted that while the Commission continues to improve election technology, the success of elections still largely depends on the integrity and responsibility of political actors.

The INEC chairman further pointed out that poor telecommunication networks remain a major obstacle in achieving seamless, real-time uploads of election results from the country’s 176,000 polling units. He explained that many polling locations are in remote areas with limited connectivity, making real-time transmission challenging despite the Commission’s efforts.