Yemi Adedeji, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concern over the rising phenomenon of vote buying which characterised the just conducted Ekiti gubernatorial election.
Mohammed Haruna, INEC National Commissioner and Member, Information and Voter Education Committee, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday after Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC Chairman, held regular meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) from all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Commission however praises self over the conduct of the Ekiti Governorship election as attested to by both domestic and international Observers, the Media and other Stakeholders.
Haruna said the commission also review the conduct of the July 14 Governorship Election in Ekiti State and preparations for the September 22, 2018 Osun Govenorship Election.
According to him, “the meeting also noted with deep concern, the rising phenomenon of vote buying during elections and restated is commitment and determination to continue to work with all stakeholders, especially the security agencies to stem the ugly trend.”
He said the meeting unanimously agreed to further improve on the successes recorded in the Ekiti Governorship election as it prepares for the gubernatorial election in Osun state.