INEC Bribery Allegations: Aisha Yesufu Raises Alarm Over $50,000 Claims, Questions EFCC, ICPC Silence
A fresh controversy is unfolding in Nigeria’s electoral space following allegations that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were bribed with sums reportedly reaching $50,000 alongside parcels of land to influence leadership changes within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The claim was made by ADC chieftain, Aisha Yesufu, who raised concerns over the credibility of the electoral body and the apparent silence of anti-corruption agencies on the matter.
The dispute, as reported, follows INEC’s decision to derecognise former Senate President, David Mark, as national chairman of the party, as well as former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as national secretary.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ programme on Monday, Yesufu alleged that the development was not coincidental but driven by inducements and external pressure.
She said, “There are reports that INEC officials were allegedly bribed with monies up to $50,000, and lands were given. Where is the EFCC and ICPC in all of this?”
Her remarks have triggered widespread reactions, as she questioned the absence of action from key anti-graft agencies in investigating the allegations.
Yesufu further suggested that there are reports indicating that the INEC Chairman may have acted under pressure, a situation she noted raises serious concerns about the independence of institutions tasked with safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
Beyond INEC, she extended her criticism to the judiciary, warning that public confidence in the system is eroding due to perceived compromise and political interference.
She stated, “The judiciary has turned itself into a place of corrupt politicians. And that’s not what it should be. You’re having places where houses are being built for them, where all sorts of meetings are going on and stuff like that. Then that’s what worries every one of us.”
According to her, democratic institutions must operate with neutrality and independence, stressing that a lack of transparency and accountability creates room for manipulation and abuse of power.
She added, “My thinking is that one institution should be independent, and if you have institutions that are independent, not the one that you’re hearing people being threatened.”
Yesufu further maintained that political disputes should be resolved through the courts but expressed concern that the judiciary is increasingly perceived as a tool against opposition parties.
She said, “If there is independence, if there’s accountability, transparency, we don’t have all of these shenanigans going on.”
She continued, “Let’s all go to court and have whatever it is there, but when you see the institutions, and also the judiciary, have turned themselves into weapon of oppression, willing tool of oppression against opposition parties, then that’s something that worries us, and the democracy of our country.”
The activist also reminded Nigerians of the sacrifices made to secure democratic governance, warning against actions that could undermine those gains.
Also Read: ADC Bayelsa Suspends All Congresses Indefinitely as INEC Orders Status Quo
She said, “This democracy, by the way, many people died for it for us to have what we have today, and we cannot have a few people come and destroy it just because they want to hang on to power that they are not deserving of.”
As of the time this report was filed, INEC has not issued any official response to the allegations. Similarly, checks show that both the EFCC and ICPC have yet to publicly confirm whether any investigation has commenced.
