INEC calls for stronger collaboration to tackle electoral fraud. Osun REC Agboke urges media, CSOs, and religious leaders to protect democracy through unity
INEC Electoral Fraud Collaboration took center stage on Sunday as the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mutiu Agboke, called for unified stakeholder action to combat the growing threat of election-related malpractice in Nigeria.
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Speaking in Ibadan after a political programme, Gbagede Oselu, Agboke highlighted the increasing violence and manipulation during elections, stressing that INEC alone cannot curb the menace.
“We need the media, civil society organisations, security forces, politicians, and religious leaders to rise to the occasion,” he said.
Agboke condemned vote-buying and electoral violence, describing them as “cankerworms” eating into the fabric of democracy. He emphasized the need for continuous engagement with key players in the electoral space.
The INEC Electoral Fraud Collaboration initiative must also include religious institutions and party leaders who, according to him, benefit the most from credible elections but often shy away from accountability.
He also urged Nigerians to report electoral officials who compromise procedures, particularly concerning the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
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“Your conscience should guide your vote, not money. We must educate and empower citizens to believe in democracy,” Agboke stated powerfully.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
