The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has partnered with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to strengthen transparency and accountability ahead of the 2027 general election through a specialised anti-corruption training for electoral officials.
The two-day Anti-Corruption Education and Sensitisation Workshop, themed “Corruption-Free Election: Integrity Matters (C-FEIM),” commenced on Monday at INEC headquarters in Abuja, bringing together members of the Commission’s staff to deepen their understanding of ethical conduct and integrity in election management.
Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, National Commissioner Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu said the training was both timely and strategic as preparations gradually gather momentum for the 2027 general election.
She noted that elections remain the bedrock of democracy and warned that any compromise of the electoral process undermines public confidence and weakens national development.
She said INEC, as the nation’s electoral umpire, must continue to champion values that promote credible elections, adding that the workshop was designed to enhance staff capacity, promote best practices and generate practical recommendations that would guide officials during electoral operations.
Agbamuche-Mbu commended ICPC for facilitating the programme and providing experienced resource persons, urging participants to actively engage in discussions, ask critical questions and maximise the opportunity for knowledge sharing and professional networking.
Also speaking, the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu, SAN, represented by the Commission’s Director of Legal Services, Mr. Henry Emore, described corruption as one of the greatest obstacles to national development, stressing that electoral integrity is indispensable to democratic governance.
He said the workshop underscored ICPC’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote free, fair and credible elections, noting that flawed electoral processes often result in costly supplementary polls, increased security expenditures and a surge in election-related petitions and litigation.
Emore emphasised that the responsibilities entrusted to INEC demand the highest standards of accountability, transparency and professionalism, adding that the fight against corruption requires collective action and sustained collaboration between institutions.
He also applauded electoral officers for their dedication and sacrifices in the discharge of their duties, expressing confidence that the workshop would equip participants with practical knowledge to further strengthen the credibility and integrity of future elections in Nigeria.
