The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has cautioned officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Borno State against engaging in any form of electoral malpractice as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.
The warning was delivered on Wednesday in Maiduguri by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner overseeing Borno and Yobe states, Linus Gubbi, during a sensitisation programme organised for INEC personnel on promoting transparent, credible and accountable elections.
According to Gubbi, the workshop formed part of the commission’s efforts to strengthen integrity, accountability and transparency within the public service, particularly among officials responsible for conducting elections.
He said, “Democracy is about free, fair and credible elections. The credibility of elections depends on the character and compliance culture of those entrusted with conducting them.”
Emphasising the commission’s preventive role in tackling corruption, Gubbi noted that the sensitisation exercise was designed to educate electoral officials on the importance of maintaining integrity throughout the electoral process.
He added, “As part of our mandate at ICPC to prevent corrupt practices, we find this sensitisation very key to enlightening officials who are directly involved in the electoral process on the need to be free from all forms of corrupt practices and imbibe integrity in the conduct of elections.”
The anti-corruption commissioner identified offences such as manipulation of election results, abuse of office, compromise of established procedures and acceptance of inducements as forms of electoral corruption, warning that those involved would face the consequences.
READ ALSO: 2027: INEC Partners ICPC To Train Staff On Corruption-Free Elections
He said, “Corruption in the electoral process, whether through inducement, compromise of procedures, manipulation of results, abuse of office or failure to follow laid-down guidelines, has serious consequences.
It erodes public trust, fuels tensions, undermines peace and development, and also exposes individuals to sanctions,” Gubbi stressed.
While appreciating the participation of the electoral officials, Gubbi also praised the Borno INEC office for supporting the programme and urged continued collaboration to improve the credibility of elections.
“I commend the INEC Borno office for its quick response, cooperation and mobilisation of staff for this sensitisation workshop. I appreciate all participants for creating time to engage on this critical assignment,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the electoral commission, the Head of Department, General Administration, INEC Borno State, Sadiq Grema, described the training as enlightening and beneficial.
“I feel very delighted because there are things that I initially did not know existed, but I now know them.
“We have been working with many agencies of government, but I must say that the ICPC has been one of the best,” Grema added.