The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned Nigerians against trivialising the 2027 general elections, warning that selling votes for money could have damaging consequences for the country over the next four years.
The warning was issued by INEC’s Director of Voter Education, Victoria Eta-Messi, during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, where she addressed concerns surrounding vote buying.
Eta-Messi explained that INEC’s voter education and sensitisation campaigns are focused on appealing to the conscience of citizens, urging them to understand the long-term impact of their electoral decisions. She questioned the rationale behind accepting as little as ₦20,000 in exchange for a vote, stressing that such actions determine leadership and governance outcomes for an entire four-year term.
According to her, the country’s success or failure largely depends on the choices Nigerians make at the polls, noting that the nation belongs to its citizens and that their votes truly matter.
While acknowledging the widespread economic hardship affecting many Nigerians, Eta-Messi clarified that INEC does not determine the economic conditions of citizens. However, she argued that the current challenges should push voters to be more deliberate and proactive in shaping their future by electing leaders capable of addressing their concerns.
She added that INEC would continue to intensify voter education efforts to discourage vote buying and ensure Nigerians fully understand the value and power of their votes ahead of the 2027 elections.
“So you will accept ₦20,000 now, and that takes you for four years?” she asked. “We speak to their conscience to let them see that this country belongs to us and that the success that will be recorded will be determined by the decisions and choices that they take.”
Eta-Messi concluded by urging Nigerians to channel their frustration with the current economic situation into making informed electoral choices, insisting that taking control of the future begins at the ballot box.
