2027: CSOs Urge ICPC to Conclude Investigation into Toyin Okoro
A coalition of civil society organisations in Nigeria has urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to thoroughly investigate allegations levelled against the All Progressives Congress candidate for Ekiti South Federal Constituency I, Engr. Toyin Okoro Zacchaeus.
The group made the call on Friday during a press conference held at Agura Hotel, Area 8, Garki, Abuja, where it expressed concern over what it described as alleged attempts by influential individuals to interfere with the investigation.
The coalition alleged that Okoro Zacchaeus had been invited and questioned by the ICPC following a petition submitted by the Coalition of APC Support Groups, Ekiti APC stakeholders and other civil society and pressure groups.
According to the coalition, the allegations against the APC candidate relate to his alleged activities while he was serving as a Senior Legislative Aide to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.
The group alleged that while serving as a public servant, Okoro Zacchaeus was also the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of a private company, ZAC LAWREMZ Nigeria Limited, which it claimed was contrary to relevant public service rules.
It further alleged that the company secured contracts from government agencies, including the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria and NASENI, during the period in question.
The coalition also alleged that Okoro Zacchaeus received salaries and allowances from the National Assembly while retaining interests in the private company.
Another allegation raised by the group concerned the candidate’s submissions to the Independent National Electoral Commission. The coalition claimed there were discrepancies between information contained in documents submitted to INEC and records allegedly available at the Corporate Affairs Commission and the National Assembly.
The group, however, called for the allegations to be subjected to proper investigation and due process, stressing that the ICPC should make its findings public in the interest of transparency.
The coalition urged the anti-corruption agency to remain independent and resist any alleged political interference in the matter.
It also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene over what it described as the alleged use of his name by former Senator Adedayo Adeyeye in connection with the candidacy of Okoro Zacchaeus.
The group alleged that Adeyeye had been presenting the APC candidate as the President’s candidate and urged the former senator to desist from any action capable of creating the impression that the President was influencing the outcome of the matter.
The coalition further appealed to the APC to ensure that its candidates meet all legal and constitutional requirements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It said the allegations should not be dismissed without investigation, insisting that the appropriate authorities should establish the facts and take necessary action where any wrongdoing is established.
The group said the development was a test of the integrity of Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions and urged the ICPC to conclude its investigation and communicate its findings to the public.
The coalition also urged all political actors and institutions involved in the matter to respect due process and allow the relevant authorities to perform their statutory responsibilities without interference.
