The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have renewed efforts to strengthen collaboration aimed at ensuring free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.
The partnership will focus on tackling vote-buying, electoral fraud and other financial crimes that threaten the integrity of the country’s electoral process, particularly ahead of upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and the 2027 general elections.
The EFCC disclosed the development in a post on its official X account following a courtesy visit by the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Obo Effanga, to the commission’s Benin Zonal Directorate.
Effanga, who was recently deployed to Edo State, said the visit formed part of broader stakeholder engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation between INEC and key institutions responsible for safeguarding the electoral process.
According to him, the discussions centred on deepening collaboration between both agencies, particularly in combating vote-buying and other forms of financial inducement that could compromise elections. He also acknowledged the EFCC’s role in previous elections through its efforts to curb electoral malpractice linked to financial crimes.
Responding, Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC in Benin, Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to supporting INEC in preventing vote-buying and other electoral offences before, during and after elections.
Sa’ad noted that sustained collaboration among regulatory agencies, professional bodies and law enforcement institutions remains essential to promoting transparency, accountability and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process. He added that the commission would continue to work with relevant stakeholders in its fight against corruption, economic crimes and financial misconduct.
