The Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN) has urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to reject vote-buying as the territory prepares for its forthcoming elections in 24 days.

The FCT Coordinator of IBBN, Bishop Dr. Emmanuel Afolabi, made the call on Thursday in Abuja during a novelty football match organised by the group to promote youth unity and raise awareness about its mission.

The match, played at the Gwako Mini Stadium, was contested between Desert Warriors FC of Gwako and Super Tiger FC of Giri, with Super Tiger FC emerging winners by 4-3 .

Afolabi said the event was part of IBBN’s nationwide campaign against vote-buying, describing the practice as a major threat to credible elections and good governance.

“We are campaigning against vote-buying, and we urge everyone to join us.

“It is a destructive practice that has hindered our progress for too long and continues to deny citizens their right to freely choose their leaders,” he said.

He disclosed that over 600 recruitment forms were distributed at the event to interested youths and community members, noting that IBBN would continue similar engagements across the country.

According to him, the organisation is a social movement committed to promoting good governance and national unity, and not a political party and IBBN plans to continue its anti-vote-buying campaign nationwide..

Afolabi also presented balls to both teams on behalf of the International President of IBBN, Prophet (Amb.) Isa El-Buba.

He added that similar novelty matches had been held in other states, with plans underway to extend the campaign to more communities as part of efforts to mobilise youths and strengthen civic consciousness ahead of the elections.

Vote-buying is a major concern in Nigeria’s upcoming elections, with the Senate proposing a 10-year election ban and a N5 million fine for offenders.
NAN also reports that the National Assembly is reviewing the Electoral Act to strengthen electoral laws and prevent vote-buying.

The reforms also propose electronically generated voter identification with QR codes, mandatory electronic transmission of results, and standardized delegate selection in party primaries.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also urged lawmakers to ban large cash transactions at polling units to curb vote-buying.

As for the FCT Area Council elections , they are scheduled for Feb. 21, the INEC has lifted the campaign ban and Political parties are now allowed to campaign publicly until Feb. 19.

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