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With preparations for the 2027 general election gradually gathering pace, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have strengthened their collaboration to curb corruption and electoral malpractice, warning that the credibility of the polls depends on integrity at every stage of the electoral process.
The renewed commitment was announced in Abuja during a sensitisation workshop for INEC officials themed “Corrupt-Free Election: Integrity Matters! (C-FEIM)”, organised to equip electoral personnel with the knowledge and ethical standards required to deliver transparent and credible elections.
Representing the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), the Commission’s Director of Legal Services, Henry Emore, described electoral integrity as a cornerstone of democracy, stressing that corruption during elections weakens governance, erodes public confidence, and imposes significant financial and security costs on the nation.
According to him, the collaboration between ICPC and INEC reflects a shared determination to ensure that the 2027 elections are conducted in line with the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
“The fight against corruption requires collective action. This partnership is aimed at ensuring that electoral officers uphold integrity and professionalism before, during, and after the 2027 general election,” he said.
Emore noted that elections tainted by corruption often result in costly supplementary polls, prolonged litigation, heightened security deployments, and diminished public trust in democratic institutions.
He added that as Africa’s largest democracy, Nigeria bears a responsibility to demonstrate electoral credibility both domestically and internationally.
Representing the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu said the electoral commission remains committed to strengthening institutional integrity through continuous staff capacity building.
She described credible elections as the bedrock of democratic governance, noting that every electoral official must understand the legal and ethical obligations guiding the conduct of elections.
According to her, the workshop is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of corruption-related electoral offences, share best practices, and produce practical recommendations that will enhance election management nationwide.
Also speaking, ICPC Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, Demola Bakare, observed that electoral malpractice often begins long before election day.
He explained that manipulation frequently occurs during planning, recruitment, logistics, procurement, and other administrative processes, making preventive training essential.
“Electoral integrity begins long before voting day. The process towards a free and credible election starts behind the scenes, and that’s why we are focusing on those responsible for managing the process,” Bakare said.
Similarly, the Director of Training at the Electoral Institute, Binta Mohamed, said the programme would strengthen INEC personnel’s understanding of the legal framework governing corruption and elections, thereby improving institutional preparedness ahead of 2027.
The workshop forms part of broader efforts by both institutions to promote accountability, strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system, and reduce opportunities for corruption before the next general election.
