INEC Proposes Ban On Large Cash Transactions At Polling Stations To Curb Vote-Buying

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on the National Assembly to implement stricter regulations prohibiting individuals from carrying large sums of cash at polling stations on election day.

The proposal, aimed at tackling vote-buying and electoral malpractice, was discussed over the weekend during a consultative meeting in Abuja. INEC’s Director of Litigation and Prosecution, Tanimu Muhammed, SAN, emphasized the need for legal reforms to prevent politicians from influencing voters through financial incentives.

Speaking at the event, organized by the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Electoral Matters in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), Muhammed described vote-buying as a major threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

He pointed out that politicians often justify carrying large sums of cash by claiming they need it for party agents and logistics. However, he argued that unrestricted cash movement at polling units has enabled vote-buying and compromised the credibility of elections.

To counter this, he proposed a limit of ₦50,000 per individual at polling stations.

“Vote-buying remains one of the greatest threats to credible elections in Nigeria. We need laws that not only criminalize this practice but also implement preventive measures,” Muhammed stated.

INEC also urged lawmakers to close legal loopholes that allow political actors to exploit the system.

Beyond addressing vote-buying, INEC reiterated its longstanding demand for the establishment of an Electoral Offenses Commission, arguing that the commission currently lacks the authority and resources to prosecute election violators effectively.

“Creating an Electoral Offenses Commission would ensure that crimes like vote-buying and ballot-snatching are met with swift legal action,” Muhammed added.

Ondo Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, backed the proposal, stating that restricting cash transactions at polling units would make it harder for politicians to sway voters with money.

“Setting a cash limit would provide security agencies with clear enforcement guidelines, making it easier to identify and penalize electoral offenses,” she explained.

Security agencies at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring free and fair elections but acknowledged logistical challenges.

Commissioner of Police for Election Planning and Evaluation, Abayomi Shogunle, representing the Inspector General of Police, highlighted the difficulties faced by law enforcement during elections.

“We struggle with logistics, from deploying officers to remote areas to maintaining real-time communication on election day. These issues must be addressed for us to enforce electoral laws effectively,” Shogunle said.

Despite these challenges, security agencies pledged to remain neutral and professional in their electoral duties.

Responding to INEC’s concerns, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Adebayo Balogun, assured stakeholders that their recommendations would be considered in upcoming electoral reforms. He confirmed plans to replace the 2022 Electoral Act with a revised version in 2025, addressing gaps identified during the 2023 elections.

“The 2022 Electoral Act was a major step forward, but its implementation revealed areas that need improvement. We are committed to strengthening our electoral laws to align with the realities of our democracy,” Balogun stated.

He emphasized the need for awareness among political parties, INEC officials, and civil society organizations on the dangers of vote-buying and the urgency of legislative reforms.

Similarly, Senate Chairman on Electoral Matters, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, acknowledged that while the 2022 Electoral Act was initially seen as comprehensive, its real-world application had exposed shortcomings requiring urgent correction.

“This meeting is a step towards strengthening our electoral system. The reforms we propose must reflect lessons learned from past elections and ensure that our democracy continues to evolve positively,” Alli said.

As discussions on electoral reforms continue, stakeholders await legislative action to ensure a more transparent and credible electoral process in Nigeria.