National Anti-Corruption Coalition , a voluntary group of the Independent Corrupt practices and other related Offences Commission, (ICPC) has expressed concern over what it described as continued commercialization of politics, weaponization of poverty, and erosion of democratic accountability, saying such practices constitute serious threats to national stability, social justice, economic progress, and sustainable development in the society
The group raised concerns over what it called persistent culture of political exploitation, manipulation, abuse of public trust, and institutional decay across several African nations, particularly Nigeria.
The Ogun State Coordinator, Anti corruption crusade, Organisation of people's voice and a member of the ICPC National anti corruption coalition, Ogun State Chapter, Mr. Idris Kelvin Abu, in a statement by Ustadh Tajudeen Jimoh, an Anti-Corruption Ambassador of Nigeria, in reaction to several millions of naira being paid by the political actors for both expressions of interest and nomination forms to contest the forthcoming 2027 general election in Nigeria on the platforms of major political parties
Political leadership according to the statement, is no longer approached as a sacred responsibility for public service, but rather as a platform for personal enrichment, political domination, and exploitation of vulnerable citizens.
"This dangerous trend has weakened democratic institutions, deepened poverty, intensified insecurity, encouraged political violence, and diminished public confidence in governance."
The coalition observed that many citizens, especially unemployed youths and economically disadvantaged populations, are frequently manipulated through transactional politics, where temporary inducements such as cash, food items, motorcycles, campaign materials, and other material gifts are exchanged for political loyalty, electoral support, or participation in acts capable of destabilizing public peace.
"In several cases, young people are recruited to spread misinformation, intimidate opponents, disrupt elections, and engage in violence during political campaigns. Sadly, after elections, these same individuals are abandoned to hardship, frustration, unemployment, and hopelessness"
"Furthermore, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission Act 2000 provides legal frameworks aimed at prohibiting corruption, bribery, abuse of office, gratification, and other unethical practices capable of undermining public trust and national development. These legal provisions reinforce the principle that leadership must be anchored on accountability, transparency, discipline, and service to the people"
The coalition member further expressed concern over the growing misuse of religion, ethnicity, and regional identity as tools for political manipulation and division. Instead of fostering unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence, and national integration, divisive narratives are deliberately promoted in order to sustain political control and weaken collective resistance against corruption and bad governance.
" Such practices continue to damage social cohesion, undermine meritocracy, and obstruct meaningful democratic progress"
The group decried the widening gap between political office holders and the ordinary citizens they were elected to serve. Across several African countries, saying there is increasing public frustration regarding the rising cost of governance, excessive political privileges, weak institutional accountability, and inadequate delivery of basic public services.
"Many citizens continue to question whether certain political structures are genuinely serving public interest or merely protecting entrenched political and economic interests"
The group urged the Citizens to be alive to their civic responsibiliy by protecting democracy and promoting good governance.
"The public must reject vote-buying, political violence, blind loyalty, ethnic hatred, misinformation, and every form of manipulation capable of undermining democratic values. Democracy can only thrive where citizens are politically conscious, socially responsible, and committed to accountability, justice, and peaceful participation in governance"
The State chapter of Anti Corruption crusade of the Organisation of People's Voice therefore called on political leaders, public office holders, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, youth groups, religious bodies, educational institutions, and all relevant stakeholders to recommit themselves to ethical leadership, transparency, accountability, justice, peace, and responsible nation-building.
The coalition member further charged African leaders to embrace governance driven by integrity, competence, patriotism, compassion, and genuine commitment to public welfare. Sustainable development can only flourish in societies where corruption is rejected, institutions are strengthened, justice is protected, and leadership remains accountable to the people.
"The Coalition member remains committed to supporting anti-corruption initiatives, promoting civic enlightenment, encouraging institutional accountability, and advocating for a society founded on justice, transparency, peace, and responsible leadership", the statement concluded
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