Anambra guber : EU-SDGN II urges stiffer sanctions for vote buying, calls for vigilantes’ exclusion

As the November 8 off-cycle governorship election in Anambra State draws closer, the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) II implementing partners have called for tougher penalties against vote buying during campaigns and on election day.

The call was made on Thursday in Abuja during the presentation of the EU-SDGN Anambra Pre-election Assessment Report, where the partners emphasised the need for proactive measures to detect and apprehend offenders involved in such electoral malpractice.

Presenting the report, which brought to the fore key findings from the pre-election assessment, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), Mr. Lanre Arogundade, who spoke on behalf of the partners, said the team had developed 66 recommendations aimed at ensuring a credible and transparent election.


Arogundade noted that the Anambra poll would serve as a major test run for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing the importance of intensified campaigns against vote buying.

“Enforcing strict penalties for vote buying with security agencies and INEC officials being more proactive in detecting and apprehending offenders during the on-going campaigns and on election day. Additionally, widespread multistakeholder initiatives should be launched across communities, market places and youth groups, entailing the use of local languages and emphasising the illegality and detrimental effects of vote buying,” he said.


The EU-SDGN II partners, comprising 16 organisations, also advocated the exclusion of non-state security actors from election duties.

“Exclude non-statutory security outfits (e.g., vigilantes) from election security roles; reinforce police neutrality and professionalism.
“Deploy sufficient, well-trained personnel committed to impartiality.
“Establish clear protocols to prevent infiltration or misuse of non-conventional security groups, such as vigilante or state-sponsored outfits,” the group stated.

They further expressed concern about factors that could negatively affect the election, which has attracted intense competition among major political contenders, including incumbent governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is seeking re-election.


The partners identified key challenges, include: “Persistent voter apathy. It should be recalled that the turnout in 2021 at 10.2% in 2021 remains Nigeria’s lowest. Vote-buying amidst widespread youth distrust of formal politics. Restriction of civic and campaign activities by insecurity.”

According to the report, insecurity remains a major issue across the three senatorial zones.

“Anambra South: Deemed to be epicentre of cult violence, kidnappings, ballot snatching
“Anambra Central: Arising from disinformation, elite power struggle, youth gang mobilisation
“Anambra North: Persistent land/resource conflicts, flooding disruptions,” the partners said.


The AUTHORITY reports that Anambra pre-election assessment report contains a total of 66 actionable recommendations covering: Electoral offences and justice systems; INEC preparedness and logistics; Security coordination and voter protection; press freedom and responsible information flow; women’s political participation, accessibility and inclusion for PWDs, among others.

The implementing partners of the EU-SDGN II include DAI Global Belgium SRL; International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA); the Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement Africa (YIAGA Africa); Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC); the Kukah Centre; International Press Centre (IPC).

Others are; Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO); the Albino Foundation Africa (TAF Africa); Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF); ElectHER; SOS Children’s Villages; Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC); Corporate Accountability and Public Participation for Africa (CAPPA); Justice, Development and Peace Makers’ Centre, Osogbo; Justice Development and Peace Initiative, Ekiti; and Justice, Development and Peace Movement.