The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has commenced a two-day anti-corruption workshop aimed at strengthening integrity and promoting credible elections ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The workshop, themed “Corruption-Free Election: Integrity Matters (C-FEIM),” opened on Monday at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja and is designed to equip INEC staff with the knowledge and ethical standards required to deliver transparent and corruption-free elections.
Declaring the workshop open, INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, represented by National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu, described the training as timely, coming ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Agbamuche-Mbu said INEC, as Nigeria’s electoral management body, has a responsibility to champion values that strengthen democracy, noting that elections remain the foundation of democratic governance.
She warned that when electoral processes are compromised, public confidence in democratic institutions is weakened, with far-reaching consequences for national development.
The National Commissioner commended ICPC for facilitating the workshop, saying it was designed to build staff capacity, share best practices and generate practical recommendations that would guide electoral officials in the discharge of their responsibilities.
She disclosed that the anti-graft agency had provided resource persons for the training and encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions, ask questions and share experiences throughout the programme.
Speaking at the event, ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu, represented by the Commission’s Director of Legal Services, Henry Emore, described corruption as one of the greatest obstacles to national development.
Emore said the workshop reflected ICPC’s commitment to supporting government initiatives aimed at ensuring free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.
According to him, electoral malpractice not only undermines public trust but also imposes significant financial and administrative burdens through supplementary elections, heightened security operations and increased volumes of petitions and litigation.
He stressed that elections are defining moments in a nation’s democratic journey and therefore require electoral officials to uphold the highest standards of accountability, transparency and professionalism.
Emore added that combating corruption demands collective action, explaining that the partnership between ICPC and INEC was intended to strengthen the capacity of electoral officers to resist unethical practices and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
He also commended INEC officials for their dedication and sacrifices in conducting elections, expressing optimism that the workshop would contribute to more credible, free and fair elections in the country ahead of the 2027 polls.
