The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged all stakeholders to collaborate more effectively in the fight against electoral fraud in upcoming elections across Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists after appearing on the political programme Gbagede Oselu on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) in Ibadan, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Mutiu Agboke, stressed the need for collective responsibility in safeguarding the electoral process.
Agboke raised concerns about the roles played by key stakeholders—including the media, security agencies, civil society organisations, politicians, and religious leaders—particularly during periods of heightened pre-election and election-day violence. He emphasised that all parties must rise to their responsibilities to protect and strengthen Nigeria's democracy.
He also called on these stakeholders to champion voter education and public awareness regarding the electoral process.
“For us at INEC,” Agboke said, “we will keep campaigning against the scourge of vote buying. That’s the first issue. Secondly, even when money fails to sway voters, some still resort to violence to gain an edge.”
He added, “The only way to combat this is to keep engaging stakeholders and dissuading them from using violence. We must continue to urge Nigerians to believe in democracy.”
Highlighting the global value of democracy, he said, “There’s no form of government better suited to serve the masses than democracy. And elections are the only legitimate route to achieving democratic leadership. We must work together to address every obstacle to that process.”
Agboke reiterated that INEC cannot singlehandedly eliminate electoral malpractice.
“All stakeholders—the media, civil society organisations, and especially the political class—must be actively involved. They must realise that money should not be used to manipulate the electorate,” he said. “We must appeal to the people’s conscience. Yes, poverty is real and widespread. But voters should reject financial inducements. Their conscience—not money—should guide their vote.”
He stressed the importance of continued dialogue and engagement on the matter.
Agboke also called on religious and political leaders to play a more active role in protecting the integrity of elections.
“After INEC, bring in the Commissioner of Police, the Inter-Party Advisory Council, key civil society groups, and religious leaders—both Christian and Muslim. Let them speak about the roles they’re playing. They shouldn't stay confined to churches and mosques,” he said.
“Politicians and political parties, who benefit most from this democratic process, must also be held accountable,” he added.
Speaking on the 2026 Osun State governorship election, Agboke noted that INEC has clear guidelines in place. Any violations of the electoral process should be reported to the relevant security agencies.
“INEC has rules for how our systems should operate,” he explained. “If any staff member deviates from these rules, report them to security personnel—don’t resort to violence.”
“For instance, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) must be fully charged and function properly. If any staff member colludes to sabotage the system, that’s a clear case of electoral compromise and should be handled accordingly,” Agboke concluded.
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