Recovered N33.16bn,$1.8m, Numerous Assets On N2.8bn Budget: Reps Demands Funding Overhaul For ICPC

Recovered N33.16bn,$1.8m, numerous assets on N2.8bn budget: Reps demands funding overhaul for ICPC. The House of Representatives has declared that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is deserving of significantly increased funding and official commendation from the Federal Government.

This endorsement follows the Commission’s impressive performance, which has been sustained despite severe financial constraints.

Lawmakers made this assertion on Friday during the ICPC’s defense of its 2026 budget proposal before the House Committee on Anti-Corruption. Committee members lauded the Commission for its substantial financial recoveries on behalf the Federal Government, especially given what they termed “inadequate funding” for its operations.

They questioned the logic of underfunding an agency with a statutory mandate to combat corruption, warning that such neglect could compromise the safety and integrity of personnel handling sensitive cases nationwide.

During the session, Rt . Hon Kayode Akiolu, opened the box of praises for the ICPC and its Chairman by stating that the ICPC is an Anti- Corruption agency in Nigeria whose methods are wholesome and meet international best practices.

He commended the Chairman for being firm in sustaining solid foundations and examples for purposeful law enforcement. Also speaking, Hon. Abdulmaleek Abdulraheem, representing the Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency of Kogi State, highlighted the Commission’s remarkable return on investment.

“You only got N2.8 billion last year, yet you were able to recover N33.16 billion and 1.8 million dollars, alongside numerous convictions,” Hon. Abdulraheem stated.

“There are agencies that are heavily funded but return nothing to the coffers of the Federal Government. As a committee, we must do something for the ICPC.

They deserve commendation, and we must also scrutinize their appropriation. Whatever was deducted from their 2026 budget should be refunded. If they cannot be given more than what was approved in 2025, they should not go below that figure.”

He further cautioned that persistent underfunding could expose the Commission to undue pressure and compromise, as resource scarcity can create vulnerabilities within critical anti-corruption institutions.

Echoing these concerns, other committee members requested amendment that would allow the Commission to retain a percentage of its recovered funds to directly support its operational and administrative activities.

According to Dr. Aliyu Mustapha Abdullahi, representing the Ikara/Kubau Federal Constituency, “We, as a committee, must push for an arrangement that allows the Commission to retain a certain percentage of its recoveries, just as the Nigeria Customs Service, NNPC, and other agencies do, in order to enhance efficiency and reduce reliance on unpredictable budgetary allocations.”

Earlier in his presentation, the Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, appealed to the National Assembly to facilitate improved funding, enabling the Commission to effectively discharge its statutory mandate.

Dr. Aliyu lamented that inadequate funding, compounded by the poor release of approved allocations, significantly hampered the Commission’s operations in 2025. He disclosed that out of the N7.82 billion approved for overhead costs, a mere N2.1 billion (approximately 28%) was released. This shortfall had tangible consequences.

“Our lawyers and investigators often had to deploy personal funds to attend court proceedings and conduct investigations due to limited operational vehicles,” Dr. Aliyu explained. “Several investigations were stalled, and we experienced difficulties in paying service providers, particularly for our rented state offices.”

The situation was even more dire for capital projects. Although N7.3 billion was approved for capital expenditure, only N400.49 million (about 5%) was released.

Furthermore, these funds were released late, on November 28, 2025. “With such a late release, we could not fully execute projects as planned or award contracts in strict compliance with standard procurement practices,” he added.

Despite these daunting challenges, the ICPC Chairman reported notable achievements within the review period. These included the recovery of N33.1 billion in cash and $1.8 million, in addition to other intervention recoveries and seized assets. The Commission also filed 72 cases, secured 36 convictions, and is currently prosecuting approximately 400 cases across various courts nationwide.

In the realm of prevention and public engagement, Dr. Aliyu stated that the Commission received 1,107 petitions, assigned 700 for investigation, and successfully concluded 150 inquiries.

ICPC

Furthermore, Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecards were deployed across 344 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and 131 Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) were inaugurated nationwide.

Dr. Aliyu expressed deep concern over the proposed 2026 budget, noting a reduction from the Commission’s N25.8 billion proposal. The adjustments include a cut of N4.7 billion from overhead costs and N2.2 billion from capital expenditure. He warned that without urgent intervention, these cuts would adversely affect the Commission’s operations.

The ICPC Chairman reassured the Committee of the Commission’s unwavering commitment to fiscal discipline and the prudent management of resources, should funding be improved.

It would be recalled that the ICPC management team had previously appeared before the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption to defend its 2026 budget proposal.

During that session, assurances were given that efforts would be made to engage the Senate Committee on Appropriation to consider enhancing the Commission’s funding.

J. Okor Odey
Spokesperson/Head, Media & Public Communications

ADC Welcomes 2027 Election Timetable, Tells INEC To Provide Clear Assurances On Result Transmission

ADC welcomes 2027 election timetable, tells INEC to provide clear assurances on result transmission. The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has welcomed INEC’s announcement of the February 20, 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections but urged the Commission to give Nigerians clear assurances on the real-time electronic transmission of results.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the credibility of the polls would depend not just on the timetable but on transparent processes, calling on INEC to outline concrete safeguards against manipulation and on the National Assembly to pass a binding legal framework to remove ambiguity around real-time electronic transmission.

The full statement read:

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, notes the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, fixing February 20, 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

We welcome the early release of the timetable, which provides political parties, stakeholders, and the Nigerian electorate with needed clarity for long-term planning and democratic preparation.

However, the credibility of the 2027 general elections will ultimately not be judged by the timeliness of the timetable alone, but by the Commission’s demonstrable commitment to transparency, technological integrity, and strict adherence to due process throughout the electoral cycle.

Of particular importance is the question of real-time electronic transmission of results. While the Commission has indicated that it will operate within the ambits of the law, the current Electoral Act still leaves procedural discretion in critical areas that directly affect public confidence.

In his recent engagement with the media, the INEC Chairman acknowledged the Commission’s technological capacity to deploy electronic transmission and affirmed that the Commission will continue to use technology in the conduct of elections.

The ADC therefore respectfully urges INEC to provide early and unambiguous clarity to Nigerians on its readiness to adopt real-time electronic transmission of results should the necessary legal amendments be enacted.

ADC

Beyond this, the Commission should clearly outline the specific guardrails, both manual and electronic, that will be deployed to safeguard the integrity of results management and prevent any recurrence of the irregularities that have troubled recent off-cycle elections.

The ADC also reiterates its call on the National Assembly to urgently pass a binding legislative framework that removes ambiguity around electronic transmission of results and strengthens the legal architecture for transparent elections.

Nigerians have shown, time and again, that they are ready to defend the sanctity of their votes. What is now required is for the electoral umpire to match that civic vigilance with institutional clarity, operational transparency, and administrative excellence.

As a party committed to democratic deepening and credible elections, the ADC will continue to engage constructively with INEC, the National Assembly, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the 2027 elections reflect the true will of the Nigerian people.

Signed:

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi
National Publicity Secretary
African Democratic Congress (ADC)

ADC Raises Alarm Over Online Collection Of PVC Details In Lagos

ADC raises alarm over online collection of PVC details in Lagos. He stressed that voter mobilisation must be lawful, transparent and respectful of citizens’ rights.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Lagos State chapter, has cautioned residents against submitting images or details of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to political groups or unauthorised persons.

The party gave the warning in a statement issued on by its directorate of communication and signed by Oluwasegun Adekayero,on Thursday in Lagos.

Mr Adekayero said the party had  observed a circulating announcement asking residents, especially in Lagos Mainland, to send clear PVC photographs through WhatsApp for political mobilisation.

He described the request as unsafe and potentially harmful to voter privacy and democratic integrity.
“ADC considers it necessary, in the interest of public safety and democratic integrity, to caution Lagosians against sharing sensitive personal information with partisan groups.

“The Permanent Voter Card (PVC) is a personal and confidential electoral document issued by INEC and contains sensitive information that must be protected at all times.
“Indiscriminate collection of PVC images through informal channels raises serious concerns about data privacy, voter protection and possible misuse of citizens’ personal information,” Mr Adekayero said.

He stressed that voter mobilisation must be lawful, transparent and respectful of citizens’ rights.
According to him, political participation should build confidence and trust rather than fear, coercion or undue pressure.

ADC

Mr Adekayero advised residents to safeguard their PVCs and avoid sharing copies through unsecured digital platforms.
He also urged citizens to report suspicious requests for voter information to appropriate authorities.
Mr Adekayero reiterated the party’s commitment to issue-based politics and credible democratic processes in the state.

He said ADC would continue to prioritise civic education, policy dialogue and lawful grassroots engagement instead of collecting private voter data.

He added that democracy thrives when citizens are informed, protected and respected.