The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political parties under the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) have agreed on strategies to tackle vote-buying and electoral violence in Nigeria.
During its annual political stakeholders’ workshop held in Osogbo, Osun State, tagged “Our Democracy: The Way Forward,” IPAC, alongside state chairmen of about 15 political parties, warned against electoral infractions.
Speaking at the event, the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mutiu Agboke, lamented that political stakeholders are the primary perpetrators of vote-buying and electoral violence.
“They agreed with me that they are the ones perpetrating both vote-buying and violence, not INEC. One of the steps we need to take to stem it out is for us to start massive education, which we are starting today. We need to talk to them to be able to understand how to compose themselves and ensure that people are better encouraged and not compelled to vote,” he said.
Earlier, the State Chairman of IPAC, Pastor Victor Akande, emphasized the importance of political parties working together to safeguard democracy.
“We are here today for a workshop to ensure a way forward for our democracy. We discussed two issues—violence and vote-buying—which are affecting our democracy. As political parties, we need to come together to see the way forward to tackle these two issues that have caused a lot of problems for our political system,” he stated.
On the forthcoming local government (LG) elections, Akande urged political parties to conduct themselves peacefully.
“I advise all political parties to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid issues that can cause chaos in our political system and threaten the unity of the state,” he added.
