By Adewole Kehinde
The just-concluded Anambra State Governorship election, held on November 8, 2025, stands as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. Under the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Amupitan, the poll marked a clear success for the Commission in ensuring that votes cast were accurately counted and transparently collated, a triumph of institutional integrity and technological advancement.
INEC’s deliberate and effective deployment of technology once again proved to be a game-changer. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) functioned with remarkable efficiency, ensuring that only accredited voters participated in the process.
In addition, the real-time electronic transmission of results through the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) provided an unprecedented layer of transparency, allowing Nigerians to monitor outcomes as they unfolded. These innovations have successfully dismantled the viability of result manipulation and “result writing,” restoring public confidence in the sanctity of the ballot.
However, while we celebrate this administrative and technological success, it is important to remind the electorate that vote buying remains a serious electoral offence. Under Sections 121 and 127 of the Electoral Act, it is a criminal act that carries severe penalties.
Beyond its illegality, vote buying is a financial crime that directly undermines the moral and institutional foundation of governance. It converts the democratic process into a marketplace and corrupts the very essence of representation.
As Nigeria looks forward to the Ekiti and Osun Governorship elections in 2026, and ultimately the 2027 General Elections, the lessons from Anambra must guide both institutions and citizens.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) must activate their intelligence networks to identify, arrest, and prosecute all known and alleged perpetrators and sponsors of vote buying in future elections. Electoral integrity cannot thrive where financial inducement is tolerated.
In conclusion, the Anambra 2025 election has confirmed INEC’s success in fixing the back end of the electoral process and transparency in accreditation, collation, and result transmission.
The challenge now lies with the front end: securing the integrity of the voter’s will. We must confront and eliminate the scourge of vote buying before it consumes the very democracy we strive to protect.
Professor Amupitan and his team deserve commendation, not just for conducting a credible election, but for demonstrating that with commitment, transparency, and innovation, Nigeria’s democracy can indeed work.
Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst and writes from Abuja. Email: kennyadewole@gmail.com, 08166240846
