INEC Warns Nigerians Against ₦20,000 Vote-Buying After APC Chieftain’s Remarks on National TV
Advertisements
The Independent National Electoral Commission has warned Nigerians against selling their votes ahead of the 2027 general elections, following public comments by an All Progressives Congress chieftain suggesting that financial inducement could determine electoral outcomes.
The APC chieftain, Professor Najeem Bayo, made the remarks during a live appearance on ARISE Television, where he spoke on the political strength of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the next election cycle.
During the programme, Bayo asserted that President Tinubu controls extensive political structures and financial resources nationwide, claiming that electoral competition against the incumbent would be futile.
“He has 31 governors. He has the treasury. He will give ₦20,000 per voter and they will vote for him. How can you defeat President Tinubu? He has gathered everybody together in one basket. You can’t defeat him at all—money for money, vote for vote,” Bayo said during the broadcast.
Ejes Gist News reports that the comments triggered renewed public debate around vote-buying and electoral integrity, prompting a response from the country’s electoral body.
INEC Reacts, Warns Against Vote-Selling
Reacting to the broader implications of vote inducement, the Independent National Electoral Commission cautioned Nigerians against accepting cash or material incentives in exchange for their votes.
Advertisements
The warning was issued by the Director of Voter Education and Publicity at INEC, Victoria Eta-Messi, during a television interview focused on voter responsibility ahead of the 2027 elections.
Eta-Messi said vote-buying undermines democracy and strips citizens of their power to demand accountability from elected leaders.
She questioned why voters would trade their future for what she described as “small amounts of money,” noting that elected officials make decisions that affect governance, the economy, and citizens’ daily lives for a four-year term.
“₦20,000 Cannot Fix Four Years,” INEC Says
According to Eta-Messi, elections form the foundation of leadership selection, and compromising that process has long-term consequences for national development.
She said accepting ₦20,000 during elections amounts to surrendering four years of policy direction and governance outcomes.
“So you will accept ₦20,000 now, and that takes you for four years,” she said. “If people think that ₦20,000 will fix their problem, that is unfortunate.”
Economic Hardship Not INEC’s Responsibility
The INEC official acknowledged the economic hardship facing Nigerians but stressed that the commission does not control economic conditions.
She said INEC has no authority over prices, income levels, or living standards, adding that economic challenges should not be used as justification for compromising the electoral process.
According to her, hardship should instead push citizens to be more deliberate and intentional about leadership choices.
Call for Conscious Voting Ahead of 2027
Eta-Messi urged Nigerians to take responsibility for their future by voting based on competence, integrity, and capacity to address national challenges.
She said the hardship being experienced across the country should motivate voters to demand better leadership rather than weaken their resolve to protect the ballot.
She added that the decisions citizens make at the polls ultimately determine the direction of the country.
INEC Reaffirms Voter Education Drive
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to sustained voter education ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commission said it would continue nationwide sensitisation programmes, community engagements, and public awareness campaigns to discourage vote-buying and other electoral malpractices.
According to INEC, voter education remains critical in helping Nigerians understand the value of their votes and the dangers of short-term inducements.
INEC maintained that protecting the integrity of the vote is essential for credible elections and stable governance.
The commission urged Nigerians to resist inducements, think beyond election day, and make choices that reflect long-term national interest rather than immediate financial gain.
