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Electoral Commission Denies Jimoh Ibrahim’s Bribery, Corruption Allegations

October 24, 2016

“The Commission hereby states, for the record, that from its preliminary investigation, nothing could be farther from the truth,” the statement read.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday denied Jimoh Ibrahim’s allegations that two of its employees, Toyin Babalola and Segun Agbaje, engaged in attempted bribery and corruption.

Jimoh Ibrahim, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in Ondo State, on Sunday accused the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commission (REC), Segun Agbaje, of conducting shady deals ahead of the election. Specifically, the candidate alleged that Mr. Agbaje tried to set up a meeting in London to discuss the election.

He also accused Toyin Babalola, the commission’s Acting Director of Legal Services, of demanding a $1 million bribe from Mr. Ibrahim before she could obey a court order that would make him the official PDP candidate for Ondo State governor.

In its press statement issued on Monday, INEC vehemently denied such claims.

“The Commission hereby states, for the record, that from its preliminary investigation, nothing could be farther from the truth,” the statement read.

According to the press release, upon encountering Mr. Ibrahim, Mrs. Babalola told the candidate that she already was in possession of the court document and that the exchange lasted only 15 minutes. Three lawyers who witnessed the encounter said that at no time did Mrs. Babalola ask for $1 million.

“It should however be noted that court orders/judgments are served by court bailiffs and not individual parties. Furthermore, INEC Only receives nomination papers from the national chairmen of political parties or their designated officials, not aspirants,” the statement added.

INEC further denied that the REC, Mr. Agbaje, tried to set up a meeting in London to discuss the election. In actual fact, it was Mr. Ibrahim, through an intermediary, who attempted to arrange a meeting with Mr. Agbaje, according to INEC. Mr. Agbaje refused to meet Mr. Ibrahim in London and told him that he would only meet in the Ondo State INEC office during official hours.

The commission concluded its statement by assuring Nigerians that it is committed to conducting free, fair elections and would never succumb to blackmail or intimidation.

Read the full press release below:

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