Nigerians Burn N30bn on Primaries as EFCC Vows to Stop Vote-Buying in 2027

Nigerians Burn N30bn on Primaries as EFCC Vows to Stop Vote-Buying in 2027

Nigeria's anti-graft agency says governorship hopefuls spent 30 billion naira on primary elections ahead of the 2027 vote, as the country’s leader urges citizens to stay and build the nation rather than emigrate.

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Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has revealed that aspirants for governorship positions spent 30 billion naira on primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections [170249]. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede announced the figure on Tuesday, highlighting the high cost of political ambition and the influence of money in the electoral process [170249].

Olukoyede also called for a credible electoral process in the 2027 elections, stating that the commission is committed to stopping the monetisation of the electoral process [170246]. He emphasized that vote buying, vote selling, and other forms of financial influence undermine democracy and good governance and must be eliminated [170246]. The EFCC plans to deploy drones and other technology to monitor the 2027 general elections, aiming to reduce fraud and track campaign spending [170249]. “We will use every tool available to ensure transparency,” Olukoyede stated [170249].

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has urged young Nigerians to stop the trend of leaving the country, a practice locally known as “japa” [170965]. In a televised broadcast on Democracy Day, Tinubu encouraged citizens to stay and contribute to the nation’s development [170965]. The president also appealed to the media and civil society organizations (CSOs) to maintain their faith in Nigeria, even as they criticize his government [170966]. “Criticise me, but never stop believing in Nigeria,” Tinubu said during the broadcast [170966].

Tinubu defended his economic policies during the Democracy Day address, arguing they are needed to save Nigeria from financial trouble and create lasting wealth [171469]. He pledged that Nigerians will see greater prosperity in the future [171469].

In a separate development, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has promised that his state will deliver 95 percent of its votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 elections, signaling strong party unity for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the southwestern state [171875].

Sources

N30bn Spent: Aspirants Burn Cash Before 2027 Vote #170249EFCC warns against vote buying ahead of 2027 elections #170246Tinubu to Youth: Stop the ‘Japa’ Exit, Build Nigeria #170965‘Criticise Me, But Never Stop Believing in Nigeria’ – Tinubu Appeals to Media, CSOs #170966Nigeria's Tinubu: Tough Reforms Will Bring Prosperity #171469Ogun Governor Vows 95% of Votes for Tinubu in 2027 #171875

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