2027: EFCC, INEC partner to deliver credible polls

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced a partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a post on X on Wednesday, June 10, the EFCC said the collaboration with the electoral body is aimed at delivering credible, transparent, and violence-free polls in 2027.

The partnership was formalised during a courtesy visit by the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Obo Etfanga, to the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on Tuesday, June 9.

According to the EFCC, the newly deployed Edo REC sought engagement with critical stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, as the 2027 elections approach.

“The visit provided an opportunity for robust discussions on areas of further collaboration between the two agencies,” the EFCC stated.

Key among the issues discussed was the EFCC’s role in curbing vote-buying and vote-selling during elections across the country.

The Acting Zonal Director and Deputy Commander of the EFCC (DCE), Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, assured the INEC team that the anti-graft agency would sustain its partnership with the electoral commission to effectively discharge its mandate.

In a separate engagement, the leadership of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Edo State Branch, also paid a courtesy visit to the Benin Zonal Directorate.

Ibukun Akande, Chairman of the CIBN Edo State Branch, said the visit was to explore areas of collaboration with the EFCC, noting that the Commission’s mandate to tackle economic and financial crimes frequently intersects with banking operations and professionals.