2027 Elections: EFCC, INEC move to curb money politics

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have agreed to work more closely to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.

Their partnership will focus on fighting vote-buying, electoral fraud, and other financial crimes that can affect the integrity of elections.

The renewed collaboration comes as preparations begin for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and the 2027 general elections.

Both agencies identified vote-buying and the illegal use of money during elections as major threats to public trust in the electoral process.

The EFCC announced the development on its official X page after the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Obo Effanga, paid a courtesy visit to the Benin Zonal Directorate of the commission.

Effanga, who was recently posted to Edo State, said the visit was part of efforts to engage important stakeholders, especially law enforcement agencies, ahead of the 2027 elections.

He explained that the visit was also aimed at exploring ways for INEC and the EFCC to strengthen cooperation in tackling electoral offences such as vote-buying and financial inducement during elections.

The REC praised the EFCC for its role in previous elections, particularly its efforts to curb vote-buying and other financial crimes that could undermine the electoral process.

In a separate development, officials of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Edo State Branch, also visited the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC to discuss possible areas of cooperation.

Speaking during the visit, Ibukun Akande said the institute values partnership with the EFCC because many economic and financial crimes involve financial institutions and banking professionals.

Responding, the Acting Zonal Director of the Benin Directorate, Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to supporting INEC in preventing vote-buying and other electoral offences before, during, and after elections.

He also assured the CIBN of the commission’s readiness to work with relevant stakeholders in the fight against corruption, financial crimes, and misconduct across the country.

Sa’ad added that continued cooperation among regulatory agencies, professional bodies, and law enforcement institutions is essential for promoting transparency, accountability, and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic and financial systems.