Britain warns EFCC and Inec against bias in the run-up to next year's general elections

BRITAIN'S high commissioner to Nigeria Paul Arkwright has warned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (Inec) against bias ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Next year, Nigeria goes to the polls but traditionally, government agencies are used by incumbent regimes to intimidate political opponents and skew elections in favour of sitting presidents. Over recent weeks, the EFCC has secured several high profile convictions against members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for corruption.

Amid fears that agencies such as the EFCC and Inec may be biased in favour of President Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the elections, Mr Arkwright has called on them to remain neutral. Speaking at the EFCC's offices in Abuja, he pointed out that their neutrality is essential for the elections to be seen as credible, free and fair.

Mr Arkwright said: “Inec and the EFCC should be there to preserve the integrity of the political process, including taking forward investigations without any prejudice on one side or the other, following the evidence and taking action where it is justified. We are pleased to see how the EFCC operates and we are assuring you of the endless support of the British Government in the fight against corruption.

“The UK and Nigeria have evolved and made progress in the fight against corruption and the EFCC’s achievements have been impressive.”

Acting EFCC chairman Ibrahim Magu, replied: “I assure you that there is no political interference in what we do. We will continue to work with stakeholders like Inec who we have an agreement with to ensure that there is no interference to ensure free and fair elections in Nigeria and we will stop people using money to buy votes.

"We do not invite anybody here if he is not found to be involved in one offence or crime and that is why when you come here, it takes a lot of efforts to be off the chain. Whatever case that comes to the EFCC is investigated to a logical conclusion and we take the case to court which gives the final decision.”