ICPC and INEC Team Up to Fight Election Fraud Before 2027

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are working together to tackle election fraud ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Chairman of ICPC, Musa Aliyu, SAN, shared this on Monday in Abuja during a workshop for INEC staff called “Corrupt-Free Election: Integrity Matters! (C-FEIM).”

Mr Aliyu, who was represented by Henry Emore, the Director of the Legal Services Department, said both commissions want to strengthen integrity in Nigeria’s electoral process. They aim to ensure a credible election in 2027.

He mentioned that the collaboration is meant to push for a corruption-free 2027 general election. He also stressed that electoral integrity is important for Nigeria’s growth and image worldwide.

“The fight against corruption requires collective action.

“It is in this light that the ICPC is partnering with INEC on this workshop for electoral officers to ensure we conduct a free, fair, and credible election come 2027 and beyond,” he stated.

Mr Aliyu warned that lack of integrity in elections costs the country a lot.

“There is no denying that when our elections lack integrity and are filled with malpractices, the government spends more on supplementary elections and maintaining law and order,” he said.

He added that law enforcement agencies, including ICPC, are also burdened due to numerous petitions and cases related to electoral offences.

The ICPC chairman described elections as crucial moments for any nation. He said a lot is expected from INEC as the guardian of Nigeria’s democracy and as the electoral body of Africa’s biggest democracy.

“As the giant of Africa and as guardians of our democracy, much is expected of INEC both inside and outside our country,” he said.

He highlighted that this responsibility demands high accountability and transparency from electoral officers.

To tackle this issue, Mr Aliyu said fighting corruption needs collective action, which is why ICPC is working with INEC.

He praised INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, for supporting the workshop at this important time in the electoral cycle.

“This shows his commitment to fighting corruption, which is one of the biggest challenges to development in the 21st century,” he said.

INEC Chairman, represented by May Agbamuche-Mbu, a national commissioner, said the agency has a role to lead discussions that shape national values.

Mr Amupitan, who is a professor, emphasized that election credibility is the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.

“As an electoral body, we have the responsibility to lead discussions that shape national values. Elections are the basis of democracy. When elections are compromised, it erodes public trust and hurts the nation,” he said.

He explained that the workshop aims to build capacity, share best practices, and create actionable recommendations to guide staff during elections.

“This workshop is designed to build capacity, share best practices and produce actionable recommendations that can guide staff, especially during the electoral processes,” he added.

Mr Emore, in an interview, said the workshop is aimed at INEC’s top management, who will train state and local government officers before 2027.

He linked electoral integrity to national development, stating that removing corruption from elections will help Nigeria progress and elect the right leaders.

He expressed hope that the training will ensure free and fair elections in 2027, allowing Nigerians to choose the leaders they want.

The Director of Public Education at ICPC, Demola Bakare, noted that electoral malpractice often starts before the voting day.

“Malpractice happens at the back end. In fact, the journey to a free, credible election begins from the inner room. This is why we are starting with them,” he said.

Also, the Director of Training at INEC’s Electoral Institute, Binta Mohamed, said the training aims to improve staff understanding of the legal framework around corruption and elections.

“Our expectation is that the staff of the commission will have a better understanding of the legal framework guiding elections, especially regarding corruption and its negative effects,” she said.

She is hopeful that the workshop will prepare INEC staff to deliver a credible election in 2027.