Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has called for stricter penalties to curb electoral malpractice in Nigeria.

The economic policy expert, who spoke at an ADC Dialogue in Abuja on Tuesday, said existing sanctions are too lenient to discourage violations.

“Stronger penalties for electoral offences. Current punishments are too weak to deter violations. Increasing fines and jail terms for vote buying, result falsification, and violence would strengthen deterrence,” she said.

Ezekwesili also urged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) be given full legal authority over security agencies during elections.

“Security agencies have become one of the greatest problems of our democracy. INEC should have explicit legal authority to direct security agencies assigned to them during elections, ensuring they respond to electoral needs rather than political pressures,” she added.