‘Vote buying, insecurity, pose major threats to 2027 election’, says ex-INEC commissioner Okoye

Festus Okoye, a former national commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has warned that vote buying and insecurity could significantly affect the outcome of the 2027 general election.

Okoye gave the warning on Saturday during a virtual masterclass organised by the Lagos chapter of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB).

He said vote buying had changed from the discreet sharing of cash under the guise of empowerment programmes to more open cash-for-vote transactions at polling units.

According to him, the development could pose a serious threat to the credibility of the 2027 elections if not properly addressed.

He said voters can now collect money from multiple political actors at polling locations, making the practice more difficult to detect and curb.

Okoye also raised concerns about the security challenges that could affect the 2027 elections.

He said the level of security personnel and resources deployed during off-cycle elections may not be replicated across the country during the general election.

The former INEC commissioner said this could pose a major challenge, particularly in communities already affected by insecurity.

Okoye said the situation raises questions about how elections would be conducted and results collated in affected areas during the 2027 polls.

The former INEC commissioner identified political party primaries as another area of concern.

He said the control of party primaries by governors has left some politicians dissatisfied, prompting them to seek alternative political platforms.

Okoye also expressed concern about the growing perception that the judiciary has become the institution that ultimately confers political mandates after elections.

He said the perception could further erode public confidence in the electoral process.

The former INEC commissioner urged broadcast journalists to strengthen their investigative and legal knowledge ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said journalists must understand the constitutional, legal and operational issues surrounding elections to effectively hold political actors accountable and report the polls accurately.

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