RismadarVoice Reporters
September 6, 2026
A former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Festus Okoye, has warned that vote buying and insecurity could significantly affect the outcome of the 2027 general elections.
Okoye raised the concerns on Saturday during a virtual masterclass organised by the Lagos chapter of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters.
According to him, vote buying has changed from the discreet distribution of cash under the guise of empowerment initiatives to more direct transactions at polling units.
He said voters could now receive money from different political actors at polling locations, making the practice increasingly difficult for electoral authorities and security agencies to identify and prevent.
Okoye also expressed concern over the security challenges that could affect the conduct of the 2027 elections.
He noted that the number of security personnel and resources deployed for off-cycle elections might not be available on a similar scale across the country during a nationwide general election.
The former INEC commissioner said the situation could create serious challenges in communities already affected by insecurity.
He questioned how elections would be conducted and results collated in areas where insecurity makes it difficult for voters, electoral officials and security personnel to operate normally.
Okoye identified the conduct of political party primaries as another potential source of tension ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said the influence of state governors over party primaries had left some politicians dissatisfied, prompting some of them to seek alternative political platforms.
He also expressed concern about the growing perception that the judiciary has become the institution that ultimately determines political mandates after elections.
According to him, such a perception could further weaken public confidence in the electoral process.
Okoye urged broadcast journalists to improve their investigative skills and understanding of electoral laws ahead of the 2027 polls.
He said journalists must have a sound knowledge of the constitutional, legal and operational frameworks governing elections to effectively scrutinise political actors, hold them accountable and provide accurate coverage of the electoral process.
