The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Joash Amupitan, to urgently investigate allegations that Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, pledged cash rewards to supporters in exchange for votes ahead of the November governorship election in the state.

According to reports, Governor Soludo allegedly made the promise during a campaign rally of his party in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area, on Saturday, where he was said to have vowed to distribute millions of naira to supporters if they voted for his party in the upcoming polls.

In a statement released by SERAP on Sunday, the organisation described the alleged “cash-for-votes pledge” as a “textbook case of vote-buying” and a blatant violation of several legal and constitutional provisions, including Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Sections 121(1)(a)(c) and 127 of the Electoral Act, as well as Nigeria’s obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.

“Electoral bribery undermines INEC’s ability to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities under Section 153 and paragraph 15(a) of the Third Schedule to the Constitution, as well as the provisions of the Electoral Act,” SERAP stated.

The organisation warned that compromising the integrity of the electoral process would erode public trust in democratic institutions and weaken the legitimacy of elected governments.

SERAP therefore urged Mr. Amupitan to send a “powerful message” to politicians that INEC under his leadership would not condone any form of vote-buying or interference with the electoral process. It also called on the INEC Chairman to refer the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation and possible prosecution.

Citing the Nigerian Constitution, SERAP noted that Section 14(1)(c) guarantees citizens’ participation in governance, while Section 15(5) mandates public institutions to eliminate all forms of corruption and abuse of power.

It further reminded that Sections 121 and 127 of the Electoral Act prohibit electoral bribery and undue influence before, during, and after elections, with Section 145(2) empowering INEC’s legal officers or appointed legal practitioners to prosecute such offences.

SERAP emphasized that safeguarding electoral integrity is crucial to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections, urging INEC to act swiftly to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.