EFCC to Use Drones to Combat 2027 Vote Buying

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is intensifying its crackdown on vote buying and the monetization of the electoral process ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections. Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede revealed that some governorship aspirants spend between N20 billion and N30 billion to secure party primary victories, a practice he claims drives corruption as officials later divert public funds to recover these investments.

Speaking at the University of Ilorin, Olukoyede warned that electoral corruption has become more sophisticated, utilizing covert codes and off-site arrangements to influence voters. To counter these tactics, the EFCC plans to deploy drones and other technological monitoring tools for the 2027 cycle. He noted that the commission has already secured convictions against politicians and electoral officials for misconduct.

To broaden its enforcement capabilities, the EFCC established a partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following a meeting at the agency's Benin Zonal Directorate. The commission also engaged the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria to address financial crimes involving the banking sector. Olukoyede urged political parties, security agencies, and the media to collaborate in safeguarding electoral integrity, characterizing the commercialization of votes as a threat to national security and good governance.