INEC To Take Action As Yakubu Condemns Vote-Buying In Party Primaries As Unethical And Diabolic

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has called for greater advocacy against vote-buying during party primaries, labeling the practice as diabolical and detrimental to democracy.

Yakubu made this statement during the Commission’s first Regular Consultative Meeting with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for 2025, held on Tuesday in Abuja.

He urged CSOs to focus more on party politics, especially party primary elections, stressing that these primaries are crucial in determining which candidates will appear on the ballot for the general election.

The INEC Chairman also praised the CSOs for their contributions to election monitoring, acknowledging their reports on INEC’s conduct and their suggestions for ensuring transparency in elections.

He stated, “I urge civil society organizations to show the same level of interest in party primaries as you do in monitoring general elections. After all, only the candidates nominated by the political parties will be on the ballot for voters on Election Day.”

Yakubu also noted, “From your monitoring reports, you’ve raised concerns about vote-buying at polling units during elections, with some of you offering actionable recommendations that the Commission has favorably considered. Now, it’s time to expand your focus to address delegate-buying during primaries.”

He further emphasized, “Some delegates have openly bragged about how much money they received from aspirants during primaries. It’s crucial that you intensify your advocacy in support of the efforts made by security and law enforcement agencies to combat this harmful practice.”