2027: INEC Warns Nigerians Against Selling Votes for ₦20000

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned Nigerians on the dangers of exchanging their votes for money in the 2027 elections.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, INEC’s Director of Voter Education, Victoria Eta-Messi, questioned the logic of accepting ₦20,000 in return for a vote, stressing that such a choice influences leadership and governance for the next four years.

Eta-Messi noted that while INEC does not control the country’s economic situation, the nation’s success or failure largely depends on citizens’ decisions at the polls.

She urged Nigerians to channel the current economic hardships into conscious action by selecting leaders capable of addressing their needs effectively.

“Our voter education efforts continue to discourage vote-buying and ensure citizens fully appreciate the power and value of their votes ahead of the 2027 elections,” Eta-Messi said.

She added, “During our sensitisation campaigns, we ask: what is the alternative? You accept ₦20,000 today, and that decision affects you for four years. We speak to people’s conscience to make them see that this country belongs to us and that the outcomes depend on the choices we make. If someone thinks ₦20,000 will fix their problems, that’s unfortunate. But our messaging continues until the lesson sinks in.

“The Commission does not determine citizens’ economic status. Everyone is feeling the effects of the current hardships, which is all the more reason for Nigerians to be deliberate and take charge of their future by choosing leaders who can best lead them over the next four years.”