The Independent National Electoral Commission has issued a fresh warning to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commission cautioned voters against selling their votes for cash, stressing that such actions have long-term consequences for governance and national development.
INEC said accepting small amounts of money during elections undermines democracy and weakens citizens’ power to demand good leadership. The commission noted that a single vote plays a role in deciding who governs the country for the next four years.
The warning was given by the Director of Voter Education and Publicity at INEC, Victoria Eta-Messi, during a television interview. She spoke strongly against vote-buying and questioned why voters would trade their future for as little as ₦20,000.
According to her, elections are the foundation of leadership choices, and those choices directly affect policies, the economy, and the daily lives of citizens. She explained that while economic hardship is real, selling votes only deepens the problem rather than solving it.
Eta-Messi made it clear that INEC is not responsible for the economic challenges facing Nigerians. She said the commission does not control prices, income levels, or living conditions.
AHowever, she stressed that voters have the power to influence change by making better decisions at the polls.
She added that difficult economic conditions should push Nigerians to be more intentional about who they vote for. In her view, hardship should awaken citizens to take responsibility for their future and choose leaders who understand their struggles and can respond effectively.
INEC also reaffirmed its commitment to voter education across the country. The commission said it would continue to engage citizens through sensitisation programmes, community outreach, and public campaigns to discourage vote-buying and electoral misconduct before 2027.
Speaking further, Eta-Messi said voter education remains a key tool in helping Nigerians understand the true value of their votes and the dangers of short-term incentives.
She said, “But then, like I always say, during our sensitization, opportunities and platforms, what is the alternative? So you will accept N20,000 now, and that takes you for four years. So we speak to their conscience to let them see that this country belongs to us and that the success that will be recorded will be determined by the decisions and choices that they take. So if they think that N20,000 will fix their problem, that’s unfortunate. But our messages and messaging is targeted towards ensuring that we continue singing the song until they get it.”
She also highlighted that the current hardship is being felt nationwide and should not be an excuse for compromising the electoral process.
She said, “Yeah, it’s not our doing. The Commission does not determine the economic status of citizens. So it’s going around, everybody is feeling the economic situation and hardship, and the more reason why citizens and Nigerians should be angry and should take their future into their hands to decide who should best lead them in the next four years”.
INEC maintained that protecting the vote is essential for credible elections and stable governance. The commission urged Nigerians to resist inducements and think beyond election day when making choices.