Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) , , Abuja , have been urged to shun vote-buying and other crimes as the city prepares for its local government council elections, scheduled for February 21 , 2026.
The FCT Coordinator, Initiative for Better Nigeria , IBBN, Bishop Dr. Emmanuel Afolabi, made the call in Abuja during a novelty football match organized by the group to promote youth unity among the youths and also raise awareness about its core valves .
The novelty match between Desert Warriors FC of Gwako and Super Tiger FC of Giri , took place at the Gwako Mini Stadium, with Super Tiger FC emerging winners by four goals to three .
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 mobilize youths and strengthen civic consciousness ahead of the elections.
Vote-buying is a major concern in Nigeria’s elections, the Senate recently proposed a 10-year election ban and a N5 million fine for offenders.
The reforms also propose electronically generated voter identification with QR codes, mandatory electronic transmission of results, and standardized delegate selection in party primaries.
Recall that the INEC has lifted the campaign ban and Political parties are now allowed to campaign publicly until Feb 19.
