The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will collaborate with Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies to stop vote-buying in the June 18 governorship election in Ekiti.

INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, said this on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti during a meeting with traditional rulers ahead of the election in the state.

Mr Yakubu said that the commission would partner with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure that candidates or political parties do not induce voters.

He assured that the commission would not condone vote-buying in the coming election in Ekiti, adding that the only necessary condition for a credible election is for it to be free, fair, transparent, and peaceful.

The INEC chairman said that “the commission will continue to work and prepare for a peaceful and credible election.”

Responding, Oba Ajibade Alabi of Ilawe Ekiti appealed to Mr Yakubu to look into the monetisation of the election process, adding that “people don’t need to be money bags before they can rule the country.”

Also, the Elemure of Emure land, Oba Emmanuel Adebayo, pleaded for peace among the political parties contesting the forthcoming election in the state.

The traditional ruler urged politicians in the state to accept the election’s outcome and support the winner, emphasising that elections were “not a do or die contest”.

(NAN)