Former INEC Commissioner Critiques Vote-Buying in Nigeria

Festus Okoye, the former National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), condemned the practice of vote-buying among Nigeria's political elite, asserting that it undermines the sovereignty of the electorate. During his appearance on Channels Television’s ‘The Morning Brief’ programme, Okoye stated that the political elite do not genuinely believe in free, fair, and transparent elections, focusing instead on ensuring that votes do not count.

He emphasized that a free and fair election must allow citizens to vote without intimidation or coercion. Okoye also discussed INEC's recent establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Division to enhance its capabilities in detecting anomalies and countering disinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He urged the timely implementation of technology in electoral processes and called on the media, civil society, and citizens to monitor the activities of political elites. Okoye praised the efforts of ad hoc staff and the National Youth Service Corps in conducting elections.