The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have launched a strategic partnership to combat election fraud and strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general election.
ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during a sensitisation workshop for INEC staff themed, “Corrupt-Free Election: Integrity Matters! (C-FEIM).”
Represented by the Director of Legal Services, Mr. Henry Emore, Aliyu said both institutions were committed to entrenching transparency, accountability, and credibility in the conduct of the 2027 elections.
According to him, the partnership is designed to mobilise collective action against corruption, stressing that electoral integrity is critical to Nigeria’s democratic development and international reputation.
“The fight against corruption requires collective action. It is in this light that the ICPC is partnering with INEC on this sensitisation workshop for electoral officers to ensure that we conduct free, fair and credible elections in 2027 and beyond,” he said.
Aliyu noted that the workshop underscores the commission’s commitment to supporting government efforts to guarantee credible elections.
He warned that electoral malpractice comes at a significant cost, including the expenses associated with supplementary elections, maintaining public order, and investigating numerous electoral offences.
“There is no gainsaying that when our electoral process is devoid of integrity and marred by malpractice, government spends more on supplementary elections and maintaining law and order,” he said.
He added that law enforcement agencies, including the ICPC, are often overwhelmed by the volume of petitions and cases arising from electoral offences.
Describing elections as defining moments for every nation, Aliyu said INEC, as the custodian of Nigeria’s democracy and the electoral body of Africa’s largest democracy, bears enormous responsibility to uphold the highest standards of accountability and transparency.
He also commended INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, for approving the workshop at a crucial stage of the electoral cycle, describing it as a demonstration of his commitment to confronting corruption.
Represented by National Commissioner Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, Amupitan said credible elections remain the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.
“As the electoral umpire, we have a responsibility to lead conversations that shape national values. When elections are compromised, public trust is eroded and the nation suffers,” he said.
He explained that the workshop was designed to build staff capacity, promote best practices, and develop practical recommendations to guide electoral officials during future elections.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Emore said the training targeted INEC’s top management, who would, in turn, train officials at the state and local government levels ahead of the 2027 polls.
He maintained that eliminating corruption from the electoral process would produce credible leaders and accelerate Nigeria’s development.
Also speaking, ICPC Director of Public Education, Mr. Demola Bakare, said efforts to ensure credible elections must begin long before election day.
“Electoral malpractice often begins behind the scenes. The process of delivering free and credible elections starts long before voting day, which is why we are beginning with those responsible for managing the process,” he said.
The Director of Training at INEC’s Electoral Institute, Dr. Binta Mohamed, said the workshop would deepen participants’ understanding of the legal framework governing elections and corruption.
She expressed confidence that the training would better equip INEC personnel to conduct credible, transparent, and corruption-free elections in 2027.
