The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged members of the National Anti-Corruption Coalition (NACC) to conduct credible and non-partisan election monitoring ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN, gave the charge on Wednesday in his keynote address at the hybrid capacity-building training for members of the NACC in Abuja.
The training, with the theme: “Strengthening Civil Society Capacity for Election Monitoring, Improved Funding, and Grassroots Communication of the Commission’s Impact,” was organised to address challenges affecting civil society organisations.
The chairman said the recent NACC Summit identified inadequate training, limited funding opportunities, weaknesses in monitoring and reporting, as well as the need to strengthen institutional integrity and public trust, as major challenges facing member organisations.
He said the training was a practical response to those concerns and not just another routine exercise.
“Our objective is not simply to convene another training session, but to equip participants with relevant knowledge and practical skills that will strengthen their organisations and enhance their contribution to the national anti-corruption effort,” he said.
Aliyu said sustainable funding remained a major challenge for many civil society organisations and urged participants to take advantage of the sessions on proposal writing and grant seeking to better understand donor requirements and strengthen financial management.
He, however, stressed that access to funding must be accompanied by accountability.
“Organisations that promote transparency must themselves demonstrate responsible financial management, proper documentation, measurable results and openness to scrutiny,” he said.
On election monitoring, the ICPC boss said civil society organisations could contribute significantly by observing electoral processes within the legal framework, documenting developments objectively, promoting voter education and reporting concerns through appropriate channels.
He urged NACC members to familiarise themselves with relevant electoral laws, regulations and guidelines, and to be guided by impartiality, professionalism and respect for the law.
“Election monitoring should never be driven by partisan interests or unverified allegations. Rather, it should promote transparency, strengthen public confidence and encourage respect for established electoral procedures,” Aliyu said.
He also tasked the coalition members to effectively communicate the impact of anti-corruption interventions to citizens at the grassroots, using traditional and digital media in an evidence-based and responsible manner.
Aliyu further advised participants to pay attention to digital security, data protection and legal safeguards to protect sensitive information and sources.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to partnership with civil society, INEC, the media and development partners, noting that the fight against corruption could not be left to government institutions alone.
“The credibility of the anti-corruption movement depends on the integrity of those who lead and drive it. We must practise the values we promote,” he added.
The Head of Stakeholders Mobilisation, Dr Oluwasina Babasola, earlier said that effective proposal writing was vital for CSOs sustainability, growth and attracting funding for anti-corruption initiatives across Nigeria through transparent accountable practices today.
He noted many CSOs had good ideas but struggled to translate them into fundable proposals, credible budgets, measurable indicators and transparent financial reporting for donors to attract sustainable partnerships nationwide.
On election observation, Babasola said credible polls required transparency, noting vote buying and abuse of public resources undermine confidence, urging CSOs to promote voter education impartially ahead of 2027 elections.
He stressed observers must be objective, non-partisan, knowledgeable about electoral laws, and reaffirmed ICPC’s commitment to partnering with NACC, INEC and development partners against corruption to promote integrity and accountability.
Representatives of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC), Dr Umaru Yakubu; United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Princess Chiffero among others urged members of NACC to avoid pitfalls during election monitoring.
