INEC Declares Zero Tolerance for Vote Buying in FCT Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared that vote buying will not be tolerated in the upcoming area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), scheduled for Saturday. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, emphasized the need for collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to apprehend individuals engaged in vote buying.

The elections will feature 1,680,315 registered voters across 2,822 polling units, with a total of 570 candidates vying for various positions, including chairmen and vice-chairmen. Amupitan highlighted the importance of credible elections to strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions.

Additionally, 89 domestic and foreign observer groups, along with 700 journalists from 72 media organizations, have been accredited to monitor the elections. The commission has also upgraded its voter accreditation system to ensure a smooth electoral process.