ICPC and INEC Unite Against Electoral Malpractices
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have announced a collaborative effort to combat election fraud in preparation for the 2027 general election. The partnership was unveiled on Monday in Abuja during a sensitisation workshop for INEC staff, themed “Corrupt-Free Election: Integrity Matters! (C-FEIM).”
ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu, SAN, represented by Director of Legal Services Henry Emore, stated that the two commissions are determined to entrench integrity in Nigeria’s electoral process and ensure a credible poll in 2027. He emphasised that the partnership aims to drive collective action toward a corruption-free election, highlighting that electoral integrity is vital to Nigeria’s development and global reputation.
Collective Action Against Corruption
“The fight against corruption requires collective action. It is in the light of this that the ICPC is partnering with INEC on this sensitisation workshop for electoral officers to see that we conduct a free, fair and credible election come 2027 and beyond,” Aliyu said. He warned that a lack of integrity in the electoral process imposes a high cost on the nation, including increased government spending on supplementary elections and maintaining law and order. He added that law enforcement agencies like the ICPC are stretched due to numerous petitions and cases arising from electoral offences.
Aliyu described elections as defining moments for any nation, noting that much is expected of INEC as the custodian of Nigeria’s democracy and the electoral body of Africa’s largest democracy. “As the giant of Africa and as custodians of our democracy, much is expected of INEC from both within and outside the borders of our country,” he said, stressing the need for the highest level of accountability and transparency among electoral officers.
INEC Chairman Commends Workshop
INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan, represented by National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu, said the agency has a duty to lead conversations that shape national values. He stressed that the credibility of elections remains the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy. “As an electoral umpire, we bear the responsibility to lead conversations that shape national values. Elections are the foundation of democracy. When elections are compromised, it erodes public trust and the nation suffers,” he said.
Amupitan explained that the workshop is designed to build capacity, share best practices, and produce actionable recommendations to guide staff during electoral processes. “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.
Training to Cascade to Lower Levels
Henry Emore, in an interview, said the workshop targets INEC’s top management, who will then train state and local government officers ahead of 2027. He linked electoral integrity to national development, stating that removing corruption from elections will produce desired leaders and help Nigeria progress in eradicating corruption. He expressed hope that cascading the training will ensure free, fair elections in 2027 and enable Nigerians to elect the leaders they yearn for.
ICPC Director of Public Education Demola Bakare noted that electoral malpractice often begins before voting day. “Pollution happens at the back end. In fact, the process towards a free, credible election starts from the inner room. So that is why we are starting with them,” he said.
Deepening Knowledge of Legal Framework
Binta Mohamed, Director of Training at INEC’s Electoral Institute, said the training is designed to deepen staff knowledge of the legal framework on corruption and elections. “Our expectation is that the staff of the commission will have a better and enhanced understanding of the legal framework guiding elections, more specifically regarding corruption and its sinister actions,” she said. She expressed optimism that the workshop would equip INEC personnel to deliver a credible poll in 2027.
