Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, have been urged to closely monitor the upcoming party primaries in Anambra State and take decisive action against the growing trend of aspirants buying delegates.
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, issued this call on Tuesday in Abuja during the first Regular Consultative Meeting with CSOs for 2025.
Expressing concern over the rising menace of vote-buying, Yakubu emphasized the urgent need for stakeholders to unite in tackling delegate-buying, which undermines the credibility of the electoral process.
INEC has scheduled the Anambra State governorship election for November 8, 2025, with party primaries set to take place between March 20 and April 10, 2025.
Highlighting the critical role of nominations in the electoral process, Yakubu reminded stakeholders that only candidates who emerge from party primaries will appear on the ballot for voters to elect.
“It is time to broaden your focus by addressing the issue of delegate-buying by aspirants during primaries,” Yakubu stated.
“Some delegates have openly boasted about the money they received from aspirants during primaries. CSOs must intensify their advocacy and support for the concrete measures being taken by security and law enforcement agencies to curb this unethical practice.”
While providing an update on the electoral calendar, the INEC Chairman reiterated that political parties must conduct their primaries within the stipulated timeline.
He also announced that the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Area Council elections are scheduled for February 21, 2026, with the timetable already available on INEC’s website.
Speaking on behalf of the CSOs, Mr. Ezenwa Nwagwu of Partners for Electoral Reforms urged INEC to improve upon the level of preparedness demonstrated in the Ondo State governorship election and ensure a credible and transparent process in Anambra.
Nwagwu reaffirmed the commitment of CSOs to combating vote-buying at both the primary and general election stages.
“Tackling vote-buying, whether during general elections or primaries, requires a collective effort involving civil society, security agencies, and the media.
“We will continue to shine a light on the actions of politicians, their parties, and candidates to uphold the integrity of the electoral process,” he said.
