By Jane Salihu
With preparations for the 2027 General Election gathering momentum, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has partnered with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to strengthen integrity among electoral officials through a specialised anti-corruption training.
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 enhance ethical standards in election management.
Declaring the workshop open on behalf of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, National Commissioner Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu said the training was strategically organised ahead of the 2027 polls to reinforce public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
She stressed that as the nation’s electoral umpire, INEC has a duty to uphold integrity, noting that credible elections remain the foundation of democracy.
“When elections are compromised, public trust is eroded and the nation suffers,” she said, while urging participants to actively engage in the sessions and apply the knowledge gained in future elections.
Agbamuche-Mbu commended the ICPC for providing resource persons for the workshop, describing the collaboration as a critical step towards equipping election officials with the skills and ethical values needed to conduct transparent and credible elections.
Speaking at the event, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu, SAN, represented by the Commission’s Director of Legal Services, Mr. Henry Emore, identified corruption as a major obstacle to national development and credible elections.
He noted that electoral malpractice often results in costly supplementary elections, increased security challenges and a surge in petitions and legal disputes, placing additional pressure on public institutions.
According to him, the partnership with INEC reflects ICPC’s commitment to promoting accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s electoral system.
Emore also commended electoral officials for their dedication and sacrifices in the discharge of their duties, expressing confidence that the workshop would strengthen preparations for free, fair and credible elections in 2027.
