Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Independent National Electoral Commission has continued its ongoing retreat in Lagos with a series of in-depth technical sessions designed to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework, enhance institutional integrity, and improve the operational efficiency of election management ahead of future polls. The retreat, taking place at the Radisson Hotel in Lagos, has brought together senior officials of the Commission, including National Commissioners, directors, and key departmental heads, for strategic reflection and policy-focused engagement.
At the heart of the sessions is a renewed emphasis on professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct within the electoral management body. The Honourable Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, delivered a comprehensive presentation on INEC’s institutional framework and ethical standards, highlighting the legal and moral obligations that guide the conduct of public officers. She underscored the importance of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, noting that adherence to these principles is central to sustaining public trust in the electoral process.
Dr. Oriaran-Anthony reminded participants that INEC, as a constitutionally established body, bears a special responsibility to uphold neutrality, transparency, and integrity in the discharge of its mandate. She explained that the Code of Conduct Bureau plays a critical role in enforcing ethical standards across public institutions and stressed that compliance is not merely a legal requirement but a reflection of the Commission’s commitment to democratic values. According to her, ethical lapses, even when minor, can have far-reaching consequences for public confidence in elections.
The retreat also devoted significant attention to Nigeria’s evolving electoral legal framework. The Director of Legal Drafting and Clearance, Rakiya Na’uzo Abdul, presented a detailed analysis of the Electoral Act 2022, focusing on its implementation challenges and the persistent issue of election-related litigation. She observed that despite reforms introduced by the Act, the volume of post-election disputes remains high, placing considerable pressure on the judiciary and prolonging the resolution of electoral outcomes.
Abdul argued that while the courts remain a vital avenue for redressing electoral grievances, Nigeria must explore complementary mechanisms to resolve disputes more efficiently. She advocated the introduction of alternative dispute resolution frameworks tailored to electoral matters, suggesting that mediation and arbitration could help de-escalate conflicts and reduce the over-reliance on litigation. Such approaches, she noted, could contribute to faster dispute resolution while preserving the sanctity of the electoral process.
The legal session was moderated by National Commissioner May Agbamuche, who guided discussions around practical reforms and the balance between legal safeguards and administrative efficiency. Participants examined how clearer procedures, improved compliance, and early conflict resolution could help minimise disputes before they escalate into full-blown court cases. The discussions reflected a growing recognition within INEC that legal certainty and procedural clarity are essential for credible elections.
Voter registration and inclusion formed another major pillar of the retreat. The Director of Voter Registration, Mr. Olatinde Jafar, provided an update on the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise, reporting steady progress across the country. He noted that the CVR remains a critical component of INEC’s efforts to expand voter participation and ensure that the register of voters accurately reflects Nigeria’s eligible population.
Jafar urged Nigerians who have attained voting age to take advantage of the ongoing registration exercise, emphasizing that timely registration is essential for meaningful participation in democratic governance. He also called on existing voters to review their records, correct any errors, and reprint their Permanent Voter Cards where necessary. According to him, proactive engagement by citizens helps reduce last-minute pressures on the system and enhances the overall credibility of elections.
The voter registration session was moderated by National Commissioner Sam Olumekun, who steered conversations toward operational challenges and public engagement strategies. Discussions touched on the need to deepen voter education, address logistical constraints, and leverage technology to improve service delivery. Participants acknowledged that while progress has been made, sustained effort is required to reach underserved communities and ensure that no eligible voter is excluded.
Beyond the technical presentations, the retreat has served as a platform for candid reflection on lessons learned from previous elections and the broader democratic environment. Officials examined how institutional reforms, ethical compliance, and legal clarity intersect to shape public perceptions of electoral credibility. There was a shared understanding that elections are not isolated events but complex processes that demand continuous improvement and vigilance.
The Lagos retreat comes at a time when public scrutiny of electoral institutions remains high. Citizens, political actors, and civil society groups continue to call for greater transparency, efficiency, and accountability in election administration. Against this backdrop, INEC’s focus on internal capacity building and policy refinement signals an effort to respond proactively to these expectations.
Participants also discussed the importance of collaboration with other stakeholders, including security agencies, the judiciary, political parties, and the media. Effective elections, they agreed, require coordinated action across institutions, guided by clear rules and shared commitment to democratic norms. Strengthening internal processes within INEC is seen as a foundation for more productive engagement with external partners.
As the retreat progresses, the Commission is expected to distil the outcomes of the technical sessions into actionable strategies and policy recommendations. These are likely to inform future operational guidelines, staff training programmes, and potential proposals for further legal and administrative reforms. The emphasis on ethics, dispute resolution, and voter registration reflects INEC’s recognition that credibility rests on both strong institutions and public participation.
The continuation of the retreat underscores INEC’s intention to remain adaptive in a changing political and technological landscape. With elections increasingly shaped by legal complexity, public expectations, and digital innovation, the Commission faces the challenge of balancing innovation with stability. The discussions in Lagos suggest a deliberate effort to confront these challenges through structured dialogue and institutional learning.
As Nigeria prepares for future electoral cycles, the outcomes of this retreat may play a quiet but significant role in shaping how elections are conducted and perceived. By reinforcing ethical standards, re-examining legal frameworks, and strengthening voter registration processes, INEC is seeking to consolidate its role as the custodian of Nigeria’s democratic choice and to lay firmer foundations for credible and peaceful elections.
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