EFCC boss calls for credible 2027 elections

The chairman of Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called for peaceful and credible elections in 2027, identifying vote buying as a significant threat to democratic governance.

Speaking at the University of Ilorin's Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Olukoyede stated the EFCC's commitment to combating the "monetisation of the electoral process." He explained that vote buying and selling undermine democracy, as leaders who gain office through financial inducement are less likely to serve the public interest. The commission has a record of arrests, prosecutions, and convictions of electoral offenders, including politicians and officials involved in vote-buying schemes.

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We are aware of these antics and are prepared to safeguard the integrity of our elections.

Olukoyede warned that electoral corruption is becoming more sophisticated, with perpetrators using covert methods and coded communications. "We are aware of these antics and are prepared to safeguard the integrity of our elections," he said, cautioning against a "cash-and-carry approach" to electoral victories. He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, strict enforcement of electoral laws, issue-based campaigns, responsible media coverage, impartial security operations, and effective conflict resolution.

The EFCC chairman urged political parties to reject vote buying and inflammatory rhetoric, which have contributed to electoral violence. He also challenged the media to proactively expose electoral corruption and called on security agencies to maintain professionalism and neutrality. Proactive security arrangements, he believes, will significantly reduce electoral risks and boost public confidence in the democratic process.

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We are aware of these antics and are prepared to safeguard the integrity of our elections.