Abdulrasheed Bawa, the chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has stated that some politicians are attempting to buy votes in “kind” instead of cash.
On Wednesday, in an interview for Channels Television, Bawa declared that the anti-graft agency is ready to apprehend those caught buying votes during Saturday’s polls.
In advance of the general election, a number of stakeholders raised concerns that vote buying could ruining the integrity of the election process.
When the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) put into action a naira redesign policy, it was assumed as a way to deal with vote buying.
At an address recently, President Muhammad Buhari affirmed that the naira redesign plan has decreased the use of money in Nigeria’s politics significantly.
On Wednesday, when speaking about voter fraud, the EFCC chairman requested for Nigerians to collaborate with the agency in sorting out this issue.
“We have intelligence indicating that many people have bought certain items which they intend to trade for votes instead of money," said Bawa.
"Politicians are also Nigerians - they are professionals and some converted into politicians. We (the EFCC) can deal with this matter accordingly".
When asked about a recent shortage Of new Naira notes , Bawa claimed That some notes had been withheld by people until after election day . He said: "Thenewly printed monieswill come out Saturdayafter theelection , because partof it wasstocked away."
In order to prevent politician taking advantage Of The electoral process through Vote-buying and other fraudulent activities , Bawa urged Nigerian Civilians To be vigilant And report any suspicious behaviour .
Therefore , it's important for citizens to come together To ensure free and fair elections . We should think about our communal safety and make sure no one destroys our chances for a prosperous future .