Security agencies launch nationwide crackdown on vote buying ahead of legislative by-elections

The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with federal anti-corruption agencies, has launched a coordinated nationwide enforcement operation aimed at curbing vote buying and electoral malpractice during ongoing legislative by-elections across several states.

The operation, described by officials as part of a “zero tolerance” approach to electoral fraud, is focused on constituencies in Rivers, Kano, Ondo, and Enugu States, where voters are filling vacant seats in the National Assembly and state legislatures.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that it has deployed a joint security framework involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Police Force to monitor voting activities.

According to INEC briefings, security operatives—some working in plainclothes—have been stationed across 2,445 polling units nationwide to detect and disrupt financial inducement schemes, including cash distribution, mobile transfers, and gift-based voter influence.

Officials said the mandate includes immediate arrest of offenders, seizure of illicit funds, and prosecution of political agents or intermediaries involved in vote buying or voter intimidation.

Security deployments have been intensified in politically competitive areas, particularly in Rivers South East, Ondo South, Enugu North, and parts of Kano State, where previous elections have recorded incidents of electoral violence and voter inducement.

Authorities say tactical units have also been positioned at key entry points into selected local government areas to prevent the movement of armed groups or political thugs attempting to interfere with the electoral process.

State police commands have warned political parties, candidates, and their supporters that any attempt to influence voters through cash payments, food items, or electronic transfers will attract immediate arrest and prosecution.

The Inspector-General of Police has issued rules of engagement to deployed officers, stressing that security personnel must not interfere with accredited election officials or legitimate voter movement.

INEC has also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society actors to help mobilise peaceful participation while discouraging electoral corruption.

Describing vote buying as a form of “ethical contamination,” electoral officials urged citizens to resist inducements that undermine democratic credibility.

“We must collectively reject the monetisation of our electoral process,” an INEC directive stated. “The integrity of the ballot must be protected by both institutions and citizens.”

Officials reminded the public that vote buying and related offences are punishable under the Electoral Act, with penalties that include fines and prison terms for both those offering inducements and those accepting them.

Anti-graft agencies say they are actively monitoring cash movements, digital transactions, and informal financial networks around polling areas as part of broader efforts to deter electoral fraud.

Observers say the effectiveness of the operation will serve as a key test of Nigeria’s evolving electoral enforcement capacity, particularly in addressing entrenched practices of inducement and voter manipulation.

With voting underway in multiple constituencies, authorities insist the coordinated crackdown is aimed at ensuring that results reflect the “free and genuine will” of voters rather than financial influence.