AERNAN LUBEM
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has said many politicians are unhappy with current efforts by the commission and security agencies to stop vote buying during the 2023 polls and are expected to fight back.
The commission said though it is not going to be easy to root out the negative influence of money on the elections, it is determined to tackle it.
INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this at a one-day stakeholders’ summit on addressing the influence of money in the general elections.
He explained that pernicious use of money tremendously increases the likelihood of election violence due to a “win at all costs” mentality among contestants who would have invested a fortune in the poll.
In attendance were representatives of security and anti-graft agencies, including members of civil society organizations, financial institutions and the media.
The INEC chairman maintained that election is not a business venture for profit but an application to serve the people with the understanding that they may prefer someone else on one occasion.
