The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a N50,000 cash limit at polling units to curb vote-buying during elections.
The commission urged the National Assembly to enact stricter laws preventing large cash transactions within polling areas.
INEC’s Director of Litigation and Prosecution, Tanimu Muhammed (SAN), revealed this at a consultative meeting with security agencies and the technical committee on electoral law amendments in Abuja.
Muhammed expressed concern over the rising trend of vote-buying, describing it as a significant threat to Nigeria’s democratic process.
He stated, “Vote-buying remains one of the biggest threats to credible elections in Nigeria. We need legislation that not only criminalizes this practice but also puts preventive measures in place.”
Politicians Exploiting Loopholes
According to Muhammed, politicians often carry large sums of cash to polling units under the pretext of paying party agents and covering logistics.
He explained that this practice has contributed to vote-buying, undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
To counter this, Muhammed suggested setting a maximum cash limit of N50,000 within polling areas.
He emphasized that this measure would reduce cash circulation, making it more challenging for politicians to induce voters financially.
Call for Electoral Offenses Commission
INEC reiterated its longstanding demand for the establishment of an Electoral Offenses Commission to effectively prosecute electoral violators.
Muhammed argued that INEC currently lacks the capacity to pursue legal action against offenders, affecting the fight against vote-buying and other malpractices.
“INEC is doing its best to handle prosecutions, but we need a dedicated institution with the legal authority and resources to investigate and prosecute electoral crimes comprehensively,” he said.
He stressed that creating an Electoral Offenses Commission would ensure swift legal action against vote-buying, ballot snatching, and other electoral offenses.
Security Agencies React
Security agencies present at the meeting expressed support for INEC’s proposal, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring free and fair elections.
However, they noted logistical challenges, including the deployment of personnel to remote areas and real-time communication during elections.
Abayomi Shogunle, the Commissioner of Police in charge of election planning and evaluation, explained, “We face major logistical challenges, from deploying officers to remote areas to ensuring real-time communication during elections. These are issues that need to be addressed if we are to effectively enforce electoral laws.”
Despite these challenges, Shogunle assured that the police would remain neutral and professional in carrying out their duties.
Legislative Support for Reforms
Responding to INEC’s concerns, the Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Adebayo Balogun, pledged to address the issues through legislative reforms.
He disclosed that the National Assembly is working on the 2025 Electoral Act to replace the 2022 version, which revealed gaps during the 2023 general elections.
“The 2022 Electoral Act was a significant step forward, but its implementation in the last general elections showed areas that need improvement. We are committed to strengthening our electoral laws to reflect the realities of our democracy,” Balogun stated.
He also stressed the importance of raising awareness among political parties, INEC officials, and civil society organisations about the dangers of vote-buying.
Need for Comprehensive Legal Framework
Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, agreed that Nigeria’s electoral laws need strengthening to close existing loopholes.
He noted that while the 2022 Electoral Act was initially hailed as comprehensive, its implementation exposed areas requiring legislative attention.
“This meeting is a step towards strengthening our electoral system. The reforms we propose must reflect lessons learned from past elections and ensure that our democracy continues to evolve positively,” Alli said.
Background on Vote-Buying in Nigeria
Vote-buying has been a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s electoral process, affecting voter behavior and election outcomes.
During the 2023 general elections, reports indicated widespread cases of financial inducements at polling units across the country.
This trend has raised concerns about the credibility of elections and the influence of money on political decisions.
Analysts have pointed out that vote-buying not only undermines democracy but also erodes public trust in the electoral system.
According to a report by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), vote-buying tactics ranged from direct cash payments to the distribution of food items and other incentives.
Public Reactions and Expectations
The public has expressed mixed reactions to INEC’s proposal, with some commending the initiative while others question its practicality.
A Lagos-based political analyst, Adekunle Adebayo, stated, “The N50,000 cash limit is a good move, but enforcement will be a major challenge. Corrupt politicians will always find ways to bypass the system.”
On social media, Nigerians shared their opinions, with many calling for stricter enforcement of electoral laws to ensure credible elections.
The Road Ahead
INEC’s proposal for a cash limit at polling units marks a significant step in addressing the menace of vote-buying.
However, the success of this initiative depends on the commitment of lawmakers, security agencies, and the public.
As the National Assembly considers the 2025 Electoral Act, stakeholders hope for comprehensive reforms that will safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
