Vote buying: INEC proposes N50,000 cash limit for politicians at polling units

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged the National Assembly to introduce stricter regulations prohibiting the possession of large sums of cash at polling units to curb vote-buying and other electoral malpractices.

During a consultative meeting in Abuja, INEC’s Director of Litigation and Prosecution, Tanimu Muhammed, SAN, expressed concerns over the growing menace of vote-buying, which threatens Nigeria’s democratic integrity.

The meeting, organized by the Joint Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters, in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), served as a platform to discuss electoral security and necessary legal reforms.

Muhammed noted that politicians often justify carrying large amounts of cash on election day by citing payments to party agents and logistical expenses. However, he warned that the unrestricted flow of money at polling units fuels vote-buying and compromises electoral credibility. He proposed limiting cash possession at polling areas to ₦50,000 to mitigate this issue.

“Vote-buying remains a major threat to credible elections in Nigeria. We need legislation that criminalizes the practice and puts preventive measures in place,” Muhammed stated.

In addition to tightening cash regulations, INEC reiterated its longstanding call for the creation of an Electoral Offenses Commission. Muhammed emphasized that INEC lacks the capacity to prosecute electoral offenders effectively and that a specialized agency is needed to handle such cases.

“The establishment of an Electoral Offenses Commission will ensure that vote-buying, ballot snatching, and other crimes are met with swift legal action,” he added.

Ondo Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, also highlighted that restricting cash transactions at polling units would make it harder for politicians to manipulate voters.

“If we set a cash limit, security agencies will have clearer guidelines on what constitutes an electoral offense, making enforcement easier,” Babalola said.

Security agencies at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring free and fair elections but acknowledged logistical difficulties.

Commissioner of Police for election planning and evaluation, Abayomi Shogunle, representing the Inspector General of Police, noted that limited resources often hinder law enforcement during elections.

“We face logistical challenges, from deploying officers to remote areas to ensuring real-time communication. These must be addressed to enforce electoral laws effectively,” Shogunle stated.

Despite these obstacles, security agencies pledged neutrality and professionalism in their electoral duties.

Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Adebayo Balogun, assured stakeholders that concerns raised at the meeting would be considered in upcoming electoral reforms. He announced plans for a 2025 Electoral Act to replace the 2022 version, which revealed loopholes during the 2023 elections.

“The 2022 Electoral Act was a step forward, but its implementation in the last general elections exposed areas needing improvement. We are committed to strengthening electoral laws to align with our democratic realities,” Balogun said.

Senate Chairman on Electoral Matters, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, echoed similar sentiments, stating that while the 2022 Act was initially seen as comprehensive, its execution highlighted deficiencies that must be addressed.

“This meeting is a step toward strengthening our electoral system. The reforms we propose must reflect lessons learned from past elections and ensure the continued progress of our democracy,” Alli concluded.