Nigeria election spending fuels corruption

The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria — Economic and Financial Crimes Commission>>>, Ola Olukoyede>>>, revealed that governorship aspirants in Nigeria>>> spend between N20 billion and N30 billion to secure electoral victory, from primaries through post-election litigation. This exorbitant spending, he warned, poses a serious threat to democratic governance and fuels corruption, as elected officials often divert public funds to recover their investments. Speaking at the University of Ilorin, Ola Olukoyede>>> emphasized the Nigeria — Economic and Financial Crimes Commission>>>'s commitment to combating vote-buying and other financial inducements, citing numerous arrests and convictions. The commission plans to deploy drones and other technological tools to monitor the 2027 general elections. Ola Olukoyede>>> urged collaboration among stakeholders, including the Nigeria — Independent National Electoral Commission>>>, security agencies, and political actors, to ensure peaceful and credible elections. Wahab Egbewole>>>, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, and G. A. Animasawun>>>, Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, also highlighted the importance of credible elections for national stability and economic growth.