Anambra REC Queen Elizabeth Agwu Threatens Prosecution, Urges Candidates to Focus on Campaign Promises
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties and candidates against vote buying ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying offenders will be prosecuted.
INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Anambra State, Dr Queen Elizabeth Agwu, gave the warning on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by political party representatives, candidates, community leaders and members of the media.
Agwu urged residents to report incidents of vote buying, while advising candidates to use campaigns to explain their plans to voters rather than offering money in exchange for votes.
She accused political parties of engaging in the practice and then blaming INEC for failing to stop it. She also said the commission would monitor candidates’ campaign spending during the 2027 elections.
The REC warned candidates against personal attacks and defamatory campaigns, urging them to focus on issues and communicate their proposed policies to the electorate. She also called on political parties to conduct their campaigns peacefully and orderly.
Agwu further cautioned politicians against hiring thugs to disrupt the electoral process, stressing that elections require proper planning and engagement with voters.
She expressed confidence in INEC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, assuring stakeholders that the commission was working to prevent glitches and curb electoral malpractice.
The REC also described elections in Anambra since the 2023 general election as free, fair, credible, inclusive and conclusive.
She announced that INEC’s online portal was open for applications for various ad hoc positions, encouraging qualified residents of Anambra State to apply.