RismadarVoice Reporters
March 19, 2026
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) have agreed to strengthen collaboration to tackle vote buying and other forms of electoral fraud ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The resolution was reached on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the AANISS President, Mike Ejiofor, and members of the association’s executive to the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Ejiofor said the planned 2026 AANISS Annual Lecture, themed “Credible Elections in Nigeria and National Security,” underscores the importance of electoral integrity to good governance and national stability.
He commended the EFCC for its efforts in curbing vote buying, describing the practice as a major threat to Nigeria’s electoral process.
“As the general election approaches in 2027, efforts must be intensified to curb vote buying. We are ready to collaborate with the EFCC by offering consultancy, advice, and resource persons where necessary,” he said.
In his response, Olukoyede reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to tackling electoral malpractice, noting that vote buying falls within its mandate and that the EFCC has recorded several convictions in that regard.
He disclosed that the Commission is adopting proactive measures ahead of the 2027 elections, including intelligence gathering and contingency planning, rather than waiting until election periods to act.
The EFCC Chairman also highlighted the strong link between financial crimes, corruption, and national security, stressing the need for synergy between both institutions.
“There is a clear nexus between national security and financial crimes. Collaboration is essential for us to effectively discharge our mandate,” he said.
Olukoyede further emphasised the Commission’s focus on prevention through initiatives such as the Fraud Risk Assessment and Control Directorate, which monitors public funds and works with government agencies to prevent misappropriation.
He added that asset recovery remains a key strategy in the anti-corruption fight, noting that depriving offenders of illicit gains serves as a deterrent.
The EFCC boss urged AANISS to leverage its platforms to sensitise Nigerians on the dangers of corruption and financial crimes, stressing that sustainable national security cannot be achieved without addressing corruption.
