The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned political parties and their candidates against vote buying during the Saturday’s gubernatorial and state House of Assembly elections

The warning was issued Thursday by the commission’s newly appointed Head of Kaduna zonal office, Mailafia Yakubu, when he paid a courtesy call to Kaduna State council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Yakubu, who urged members of the media join in the fight against corruption, said vote buying is a big crime that attracts 12 years in prison or an option of fine of N500, 000.

Further, he stated that the commission has the strategy to track down vote sellers and buyers, adding that it would prefer to keep it to its chest for security reasons.

 “The election is here, and we will like to tell members of the public that vote buying is a big crime. We all owe the State and the country a duty to expose culprits.

 “Offender of vote buying if eventually found guilty, he or she will spend 12 years in prison or an option of N500, 000 fine.

“We are ever ready to partner journalists and NUJ in general in the fight against corruption, as well as the fight against vote buying in this election period”. The EFCC Head said.

Meanwhile, the NUJ State chairman, Comrade Adamu Yusuf, assured him of the council’s support stating that it is always prepared to partner with the commission for the benefit of the larger society.