The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in vote buying, describing the practice as a serious criminal offence that threatens Nigeria’s democratic process.

Amupitan made the call in a video message where he urged security and anti-corruption agencies to intensify efforts against electoral fraud ahead of future elections. He stressed that institutions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, and the Nigeria Police Force have a constitutional responsibility to ensure that perpetrators of vote trading are apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the Electoral Act.

According to him, vote buying remains one of the major threats to credible elections and must not be tolerated in any democratic society.

“Vote buyers must be arrested and prosecuted; it is a criminal offence under the Electoral Act. It is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies, most especially the EFCC, ICPC, and the police, to ensure those involved are arrested and prosecuted,” Amupitan stated.

The INEC chairman further warned political parties and their supporters against engaging in vote trading, noting that the practice compromises the integrity of elections, weakens public confidence in governance, and undermines the nation’s democratic institutions.

He urged stakeholders in the electoral process to work collectively toward promoting free, fair, and transparent elections, insisting that accountability for electoral offences is necessary to strengthen democracy in Nigeria.

Amupitan’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the increasing cases of inducement of voters during elections across the country, with civil society organisations and election observers repeatedly calling for stricter enforcement of electoral laws against offenders.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially withdrawn from the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries in Rivers State, declaring that the peace, unity and stability of the state must take priority over personal political ambition.

Fubara announced his decision in a personally signed statement issued on Wednesday night and titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries.” In the statement, the governor said his withdrawal followed extensive consultations with family members, political associates and close allies.

According to him, the decision was difficult but necessary in the overall interest of Rivers State, stressing that true leadership sometimes demands sacrifice and the willingness to place public interest above personal aspirations.

The governor pledged his full support for whoever eventually emerges as the APC governorship candidate, while calling on party members and supporters to remain united ahead of future political engagements.

Fubara acknowledged the disappointment many of his loyal supporters might feel over the development, especially after the commitment, prayers and resources invested in his political journey. However, he insisted that his silence in recent months had been deliberate and guided by the desire to preserve peace in the state.

In a reflective tone, the Rivers governor hinted at undisclosed political pressures and difficult circumstances surrounding his decision, noting that not every issue could be publicly discussed.

“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace. Some truths are best borne quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose,” he stated.

Fubara also used the opportunity to appreciate the APC leadership for offering him a political platform and expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as support and encouragement throughout the process.

The governor maintained that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as an act of weakness, fear or surrender, but rather a conscious sacrifice aimed at ensuring harmony and stability in Rivers State.

He reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Rivers State until the completion of his tenure and urged APC faithful to remain steadfast in building a stronger and more united party.

The withdrawal is expected to reshape the political landscape ahead of the Rivers governorship race, with attention now turning to other contenders seeking the APC ticket.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded its senatorial primary elections in Ekiti State, producing the trio of Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Senator Cyril Fasuyi and Senator Yemi Adaramodu as the party’s standard-bearers for Ekiti Central, Ekiti North and Ekiti South Senatorial Districts respectively ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The exercise, conducted across the three senatorial districts, drew significant participation from party delegates and stakeholders, with APC officials describing the primaries as peaceful, transparent and in line with the party’s electoral guidelines.

Announcing the results in Ado Ekiti, the chairman of the primary election committee and chief returning officer, Wasiu Adedoyin, declared Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele winner of the Ekiti Central senatorial primary. Bamidele, who contested unopposed, polled 29,586 votes, reaffirming his strong political influence within the district and consolidating his position ahead of the 2027 polls.

In the keenly contested Ekiti North primary, incumbent Senator Cyril Fasuyi emerged victorious after securing 14,179 votes. Fasuyi defeated former senator Ayo Arise, who garnered 4,868 votes, while Engr. Bamisaye Oladipupo polled 3,694 votes. Political observers described the contest as one of the most competitive races of the APC primaries in the state, reflecting the growing political interests within Ekiti North.

Similarly, in Ekiti South Senatorial District, Senator Yemi Adaramodu clinched the APC ticket after polling 12,200 votes to defeat former senator Biodun Olujimi, who secured 7,420 votes, and Hon. Bamidele Faparusi, who recorded 5,502 votes. The outcome further strengthens Adaramodu’s political standing within the district as he prepares to lead the APC into the next electoral cycle.

Speaking after the exercise, Wasiu Adedoyin commended APC members and delegates for their orderly conduct throughout the primaries, stressing that the process reflected the party’s commitment to internal democracy and credible candidate selection.

The conclusion of the senatorial primaries is expected to reshape political calculations across Ekiti State as the APC begins preparations for the 2027 general elections, with party leaders expressing confidence that the emergence of the three candidates would further strengthen the party’s chances at the polls.