The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun a two day anti-corruption training for its staff as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections, with a renewed focus on promoting integrity and transparency in the electoral process.
The workshop, organised in partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), opened on Monday, July 6, at INEC headquarters in Abuja.
The training, themed “Corruption-Free Election: Integrity Matters (C-FEIM),” is aimed at strengthening the capacity of electoral officials to conduct credible elections.
Declaring the workshop open on behalf of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, said the programme was coming at a crucial time as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
She said INEC has a duty not only to conduct elections but also to promote values that strengthen democracy.
According to her, elections remain the foundation of democratic governance, warning that public confidence is weakened whenever the process is compromised.
Agbamuche-Mbu commended ICPC for facilitating the training, noting that it would equip staff with practical knowledge, expose them to best practices and generate recommendations to guide election management.
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She disclosed that ICPC had provided resource persons for the exercise and encouraged participants to actively engage during the sessions by asking questions, sharing ideas and networking.
Speaking at the event, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu, SAN, who was represented by the commission’s Director of Legal Services, Mr. Henry Emore, described corruption as one of the greatest obstacles to national development.
Emore said the workshop demonstrates ICPC’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at ensuring free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.
He warned that a flawed electoral process often leads to costly supplementary elections, increased security spending and a rise in election-related petitions and court cases, placing additional pressure on public institutions.
According to him, elections are defining moments in any democracy and demand the highest standards of accountability, transparency and responsibility from electoral officials.
He added that tackling corruption requires collective action, which informed ICPC’s decision to partner with INEC in organising the workshop.
Emore also commended electoral officers for their dedication and sacrifice, noting that many risk their lives while carrying out election duties.
He expressed confidence that the training would further strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process and contribute to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in 2027.