By Our correspondent
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, has made a startling revelation about the attempts by politicians to rig elections in the state.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ dialogue on rebuilding trust in electoral practices and elections, Agwu disclosed that she had made elections in the state “unpurchasable” for politicians by setting an outrageous condition of N3 billion to rig the election.
Agwu, who was speaking at the event organized by the International Press Centre in Awka, said, “I have told people that if you feel strongly that you want to buy the election, and answer the winner, you have to give me N3 billion naira.”
She noted that no politician was able to meet this condition, enabling her to conduct credible elections in the state.
The REC emphasized the importance of conducting free and fair elections, stating that the culture of vote buying is dangerous and undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
She also highlighted the challenges faced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in conducting elections, including external influences and the lack of trust in the electoral process.
Agwu described the experience of conducting elections in Anambra State, saying, “Everybody in Anambra who knows me knows that I’m not a sitting REC but working REC.
“It is in Anambra where every person, the who is who, who has money to buy elections could not do so because I made it unpurchasable.”
She also shared a disturbing example of electoral malpractice, revealing that a Supervising Presiding Officer (SPO) had sold voters’ registers, voter cards, and result sheets to a political party and unknown individuals during the last election.
Agwu expressed her disappointment and frustration at the incident, saying, “These are the set of people I will always want to use to set an example but before I could find out, it was too late.”
The REC further lamented the state of the country, saying, “In Nigeria, we are in a jungle where there is no light. Many things are our inhibitors. Majority of the people including the educated ones are ignorant, selfish, greedy, impatient, and speculative.”
She emphasized the need for Nigerians to do the right thing to achieve a better society.
Agwu also addressed the issue of the delayed by-election in Anambra South Senatorial District, saying that INEC is ready to conduct the election but is awaiting a request from the Senate.
She stated, “INEC is ready for the Anambra South Senatorial District by-election, but the Senate must request the replacement of the vacant seat before we can conduct the election.”
The event also featured a keynote lecture by former REC in the state, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji, who emphasized the importance of public trust in participatory and successful elections.
He noted that voter apathy indicates issues with the electoral process, including a high trust deficit.
Chairman of the programme, Dr. Emeka Ononamadu, highlighted the need for collaborative stakeholders, including civil society, security agencies, and the general public, to work effectively for a credible outcome.
Earlier, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), Mr. Lanre Arogundade, promised to share recommendations from the dialogue with relevant authorities to enhance democratic processes.
He said, “Our aim is to gather insights from all geopolitical zones in Nigeria, focusing on rebuilding trust and fostering collaboration to improve future elections.”
