The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern warning to voters in Anambra State, urging them to resist the temptation of vote buying and other forms of electoral inducements ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election in November.

In a statement posted on its official social media platform on Thursday, INEC cautioned the electorate against exchanging their votes for financial gain or material benefits, emphasizing that such practices erode the integrity of the electoral process and hinder meaningful development. The commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and credible election, advising voters to “reject stomach infrastructure” and “demand real development” by refusing to engage in vote buying.

INEC also appealed to political parties and candidates to focus on issue-based campaigns, emphasizing policies and programmes that will improve the welfare of the people, rather than exploiting voters’ economic vulnerabilities for electoral gain. This call to action is aimed at promoting a more substantive and inclusive electoral discourse.

The November gubernatorial election in Anambra State is a significant event in Nigeria’s electoral calendar, with the state’s electorate set to choose a new leader. As the electoral body responsible for overseeing the process, INEC’s warning highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of the election and ensuring that the outcome reflects the genuine will of the people.

In the run-up to the election, INEC has been working to strengthen the electoral process, including the registration of voters and the distribution of permanent voter cards. The commission’s efforts are aimed at guaranteeing a credible and transparent election, and its warning against vote buying is a critical component of this effort.

As the election approaches, the people of Anambra State will be looking to INEC to deliver on its promise of a free, fair, and credible poll. The commission’s ability to prevent vote buying and other forms of electoral malpractice will be crucial in determining the legitimacy of the election outcome. With its warning, INEC has underscored its commitment to upholding the principles of democratic elections and ensuring that the will of the people is respected.