SERAP, Booth Party Urge INEC to Prosecute Vote Buyers in Anambra Election

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to refer all allegations of vote buying and undue influence during the recent Anambra governorship election to relevant anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution.

SERAP urged INEC to collaborate with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Police to identify and prosecute those involved, including their sponsors.

In a letter signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP lamented that widespread reports of vote buying and voter inducement continue to undermine Nigeria’s electoral credibility and democratic integrity.

Similarly, the Booth Party’s governorship candidate, Okeke Chika Jerry, urged INEC to take decisive measures against vote trading, including prosecuting offenders and disqualifying political parties found guilty of the act.

Speaking to journalists, Okeke described vote buying as “a dangerous trend that weakens democracy,” adding that “arresting individuals without holding political sponsors accountable will not stop the problem.” He called for the immediate disqualification of candidates who fund such practices.

Okeke further condemned the use of vast sums of money by major political parties to sway voters, describing it as a stain on Nigeria’s democratic image.

Meanwhile, election monitoring group Yiaga Africa has confirmed that the official results released by INEC align with findings from its independent Process and Results Verification for Transparency (PRVT) exercise.

In a statement signed by Dr. Asmau Maikudi, Chair of the 2025 Anambra Election Mission, and Yiaga Africa’s Executive Director, Samson Itodo, the organisation said its independent verification by over 700 observers across all 21 local government areas confirmed the credibility and transparency of the election results.

The group stated that data from its 250 sampled polling units matched INEC’s official results, reinforcing public trust in the electoral process.

In a lighter post-election development, actress and African Action Congress (AAC) candidate, Chioma Ifemeludike (IfeDike), who polled 292 votes statewide, invited her supporters to a celebratory lunch.

Despite finishing far behind the incumbent governor, Prof. Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who secured 422,664 votes, Ifemeludike expressed gratitude to her supporters on social media, saying she looked forward to meeting and appreciating them in person.