Some governorship aspirants spent N30b to secure party tickets, says EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised serious concerns about the scale of financial expenditures by governorship aspirants in Nigeria's political landscape. According to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, certain candidates have reportedly spent between N20 billion and N30 billion to secure their positions within political parties, primarily through primary elections. This revelation comes amid growing fears about the impact of such practices on the integrity of Nigeria's democratic processes.

Olukoyede made these statements during a lecture delivered at the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies (CPSS) at the University of Ilorin, where he addressed the topic of "De-risking and Mobilising Critical Stakeholders for Peaceful and Credible 2027 Elections in Nigeria." The event aimed to highlight the challenges facing Nigeria's upcoming elections and to encourage collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

The EFCC chairman emphasized that the massive sums being spent on elections create significant pressure on elected officials once they assume office. These pressures often lead to the misuse of public funds in an effort to recoup their initial investments. Such behavior not only undermines the credibility of the electoral system but also threatens the very foundations of good governance. Olukoyede warned that leaders who gain power through financial means are more inclined to prioritize personal gains over public service.

To combat these issues, the EFCC has taken decisive action against individuals involved in vote-buying and other forms of electoral fraud. The commission has conducted numerous arrests and secured convictions involving politicians, electoral officials, and even ordinary citizens found guilty of electoral misconduct. These efforts reflect the EFCC's commitment to upholding the integrity of Nigeria's electoral system.

Looking forward, the EFCC has announced plans to enhance its election monitoring capabilities using advanced technologies such as drones. This initiative aims to effectively track instances of vote-buying and financial inducements at polling stations during the 2027 general elections. By leveraging modern technology, the commission hopes to deter potential offenders and ensure a more transparent electoral environment.

In addition to technological advancements, Olukoyede called upon political parties and their supporters to adopt issue-based campaign strategies instead of resorting to inflammatory rhetoric that might incite violence. He urged all relevant stakeholders—including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organizations, the media, and political actors—to work together to guarantee that the upcoming elections are both peaceful and credible.

The importance of credible elections was underscored by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), who highlighted how electoral corruption poses a significant threat to national security and democratic progress. He stressed that ensuring the legitimacy of elections is crucial for maintaining national stability, promoting economic growth, and fostering public trust in governance structures.

Professor Abdul-Jelil Animasawun, director of the CPSS, explained that the guest speakers' series was designed to facilitate discussions on the challenges facing Nigeria's electoral process. The initiative brings together a diverse group of participants, including policymakers, security experts, electoral officials, civil society groups, and scholars, all working towards developing practical solutions for conducting peaceful and credible elections. The event attracted a wide range of attendees, reflecting the broad concern over the state of Nigeria's electoral landscape.