The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is taking steps to deploy armed personnel for the 2027 general elections in Nigeria. According to Mr. Demola Bakare, Director of Public Education Department at ICPC, the commission has trained personnel with arms to ensure effective election monitoring. This was disclosed at a virtual National Stakeholders Workshop for the 2027 General Election organized by Praxis in conjunction with the Human Resources Development Centre, University of Lagos.
The workshop, which will continue for three Thursdays in November, focuses on "Strategies for Identifying, Monitoring and Reporting Corruption for Electoral Integrity During the 2027 General Election in Nigeria." Bakare emphasized that effective election monitoring begins months before the election, with monitors familiarizing themselves with electoral and criminal laws. He noted that electoral fraud often thrives when everyone engages in it, stressing the need for punishment of culprits to deter potential offenders.
Bakare highlighted that elections are a key mechanism for citizens to exercise political sovereignty, choose representatives, and hold leaders accountable. However, he noted that the existence of elections does not automatically guarantee democratic governance. Electoral competition can be compromised by bribery, vote buying, abuse of public resources, intimidation, procurement fraud, or manipulation of electoral records, leading to elections that reproduce political privileges rather than express citizens' free will.
To ensure integrity in the electoral process, Bakare stressed that election monitors should be non-partisan and have access to places and things granted by law. He also emphasized the need for monitors to secure their lives while on duty and ensure the integrity of evidence acquired, making it usable in courts. Furthermore, monitors should report with actionable facts, follow up accordingly, and channel them to the right agencies for effective operations.
Bakare cited the 1993 elections as a standard for electoral operations, noting that Nigeria's elections can achieve similar success again. He urged citizens to mobilize for a better 2027 election. The ICPC's plan to deploy armed personnel is part of efforts to ensure that the 2027 elections are free, fair, and credible. This move is expected to enhance the commission's monitoring capabilities and prevent electoral malpractices.
The virtual workshop aims to equip stakeholders with strategies for identifying, monitoring, and reporting corruption during the electoral process. By engaging citizens and stakeholders, the ICPC seeks to promote electoral integrity and ensure that the 2027 elections reflect the genuine will of Nigerians. The commission's efforts are crucial in building trust in the electoral process and promoting democratic governance.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the ICPC's initiatives to ensure electoral integrity are becoming increasingly important. With the deployment of armed personnel and enhanced monitoring capabilities, the commission is working to prevent electoral malpractices and promote a free, fair, and credible electoral process. Citizens and stakeholders are urged to support these efforts and work towards a better 2027 election.
Key points
- ICPC to deploy armed personnel for 2027 elections to ensure proper monitoring
- Effective election monitoring begins months before the election
- Electoral integrity is crucial for democratic governance in Nigeria
