The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has pledged to work closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Osun State to address corruption in the electoral process.
This is as both government agencies vowed to pay particular focus on combating vote buying.
During a courtesy visit to INEC Osun State office on Thursday, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Prince Yusuf Olatunji, also revealed that the Commission’s mandate extends beyond enforcement.
He explained that the ICPC’s scope included enforcement, prevention, and enlightenment.
According to him, the enlightenment component informed the decision to sensitise INEC staff on the need to reject corruption at all levels.
Olatunji while highlighting the need for cooperation, especially with the approaching elections, noted that one of the most common complaints during polls was vote buying.
He said, “We need to go out and sensitise the public on the issue of vote buying. Let the electorate know that they do not need money to cast their vote. Anybody arrested during election will face the music.”
The Osun ICPC boss who added that although corruption was prevalent in society, officials must distinguish themselves said the fight against corruption was difficult but achievable with collective support.
He noted, “The bedrock of democracy in Nigeria lies with INEC. If INEC is upright, we will get everything right and the best people will be voted. We need to partner to sensitise the people on how to shun corruption.”
In response, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Osun, Dr Mutiu Agboke, said elections are multi-stakeholder activities that require collaboration beyond the electoral body.
Agboke stated, “One of the best ways for success to be recorded in any election is for all stakeholders to put hands on deck.”
He commended the ICPC for considering INEC as a worthy partner and assured that the collaboration would be sustained for the good of the electoral process.
Agboke proposed bringing together all relevant stakeholders for wider sensitisation campaigns ahead of the polls as a way of consolidating the partnership.
He said, “Once you have done that, on election day, any defaulter will be arrested. This election is not for pretence and the election will be successful. It is not a big deal.”
The REC stressing the need for strategy, engagement, and public education, describing vote buying as a cankerworm that must be dealt with assured that defaulters would be prosecuted to preserve electoral integrity.
“Nobody will be declared winner except they win the election. We are going to map out a strategy for this election. I want the collaboration to be pragmatic and cogent,” he added.