July 06, (THEWILL) — The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has warned that electoral fraud poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy and development, as it announced a strategic partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to promote credible and corruption-free elections ahead of the 2027 general election.
The collaboration was unveiled on Monday in Abuja during a sensitisation workshop for INEC personnel themed “Corrupt-Free Election: Integrity Matters! (C-FEIM)”, where both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of ICPC, Musa Adamu Aliyu, said the partnership was to drive collective action against corruption and entrench integrity in the conduct of elections.
Represented by the Director of the Commission’s Legal Services Department, Henry Emore, Aliyu said electoral integrity remained essential to Nigeria’s democratic growth and international reputation.
“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 ensure that we conduct free, fair and credible elections come 2027 and beyond”, he said.
According to him, the workshop demonstrates the Commission’s commitment to support government initiatives to guarantee transparent elections and strengthen democratic institutions.
Aliyu cautioned that elections lacking integrity impose enormous financial and social costs on the country.
“There is no gainsaying that when the process of our elections is devoid of integrity and marred by electoral malpractices, the government spends more to conduct supplementary elections and to maintain law and order”, he said.
He added that electoral malpractice also places heavy demands on law enforcement agencies, including the ICPC, due to the volume of petitions and prosecutions arising from election-related offences.
Describing elections as defining moments for every nation, Aliyu said INEC, as the electoral management body of Africa’s largest democracy, carries enormous responsibility in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic credentials.
“As the giant of Africa and 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 electoral officers to uphold the highest standards of accountability and transparency.
The ICPC chairman also commended the Chairman of INEC for approving the workshop at what he described as a critical stage in the electoral cycle, noting that the decision reflected the Commission’s resolve to confront corruption, one of the greatest obstacles to national development.
In his remarks, the Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, represented by National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu, said the electoral commission had a responsibility to champion values capable of strengthening Nigeria’s democracy. He stressed that the credibility of elections remains the foundation of democratic governance.
“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 was designed to enhance the capacity of INEC personnel, promote the exchange of best practices and produce practical recommendations that would guide officials during future 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.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the workshop, Emore disclosed that the training targeted INEC’s top management, who would in turn train electoral officers across the states and local government areas ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said improving electoral integrity would ultimately produce credible leadership and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s development.
“If we remove corruption from our electoral process, Nigerians will elect the leaders they truly desire, and that will accelerate our progress in tackling corruption across all sectors”, he said.
Also speaking, the Director of Public Enlightenment and Education at ICPC, Demola Bakare, said electoral malpractice often begins long before election day, making early intervention essential.
“Pollution happens at the back end. In fact, the process towards free, credible elections starts from the inner room. That is why we are starting with them”, he said.
On her part, the Director of Training at INEC’s Electoral Institute, Binta Mohamed, said the workshop was expected to deepen participants’ understanding of the legal framework governing 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, particularly as regards corruption and its sinister consequences”, she said.
Mohamed expressed optimism that the training would equip INEC personnel with the knowledge and ethical standards required to deliver free, fair and credible elections in 2027.
The sensitisation workshop forms part of ongoing efforts by both ICPC and INEC to strengthen electoral governance, curb corruption within the electoral process and enhance public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the next general election.
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