Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has issued a stark warning that when elections are compromised, public trust is eroded and the nation suffers as a result, as the commission commenced a two-day Anti-Corruption Education and Sensitisation Workshop for its staff in preparation for the 2027 general elections. The workshop, themed “Corruption-Free Election: Integrity Matters (C-FEIM),” began on Monday, 6 July 2026, at the Commission's headquarters in Abuja, in partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Declaring the workshop open, Amupitan, represented by National Commissioner Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, described the training as timely, coming as preparations gradually gather pace for the 2027 polls. Agbamuche-Mbu stressed that the Commission, as the nation's electoral umpire, bore the responsibility not only to conduct elections but also to lead conversations that shape national values. She emphasised that elections remain the foundation of democracy, warning that when the electoral process is compromised, public confidence in democratic institutions is weakened, with far-reaching consequences for national development and governance. "When elections are compromised, public trust is eroded and the nation suffers as a result," she said.
Agbamuche-Mbu commended the ICPC for facilitating the workshop, describing it as an initiative designed to build the capacity of electoral officials, expose them to best practices, and generate practical recommendations to guide their conduct during elections. She disclosed that ICPC had provided resource persons for the two-day training and urged participants to actively engage in discussions, ask critical questions, and share experiences that would enhance the Commission's electoral processes.
In his remarks, the Chairman of ICPC, Dr Musa Adamu (SAN), represented by the Director of Legal Services, Mr Henry Emore, described corruption as one of the greatest obstacles to national development in the 21st century. Emore said the theme of the workshop reflected ICPC's commitment to supporting government initiatives aimed at ensuring free, fair and credible elections across the country. He warned that when electoral processes lack integrity and are characterised by malpractice, governments incur additional costs through supplementary elections and efforts to maintain law and order, while anti-corruption agencies are burdened by an increase in petitions and litigation arising from disputed electoral outcomes. "When the electoral process is devoid of integrity and marred by malpractice, government spends more to conduct supplementary elections and to maintain law and order, while agencies such as the ICPC are stretched by a surge of petitions and litigation," he said.
Describing elections as defining moments in the life of any nation, Emore said the responsibility entrusted to INEC demanded the highest standards of accountability, responsibility and transparency. He stressed that the fight against corruption required collective action, which was why ICPC was partnering with INEC on the workshop for electoral officers, for which it was providing resource persons to facilitate the sessions. He commended electoral officers for their courage and dedication, describing them as individuals who often risk their lives in service to the country. Emore expressed optimism that the discussions and recommendations emerging from the workshop would strengthen the conduct of free, fair and equitable elections in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The collaboration between INEC and ICPC represents a significant step in Nigeria's preparations for the 2027 elections, which are expected to be one of the most closely watched in the country's history. The workshop targeted INEC's top management, who would in turn train electoral officers across the states and local government areas ahead of the 2027 polls. Emore linked electoral integrity to national development, saying removing corruption from elections would produce desired leaders and help Nigeria make progress in eradicating corruption. He expressed hope that cascading the training would ensure free, fair elections in 2027 and enable Nigerians to elect the leaders they yearn for.
The workshop comes amid growing concerns over the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process, with civil society organisations and political observers calling for strengthened institutional capacity to prevent vote-buying, result manipulation, and other forms of electoral malpractice. The partnership between INEC and ICPC reflects a broader recognition that corruption in the electoral process undermines democratic governance and imposes significant costs on the nation. When elections are compromised, public trust is eroded, and the legitimacy of elected officials is called into question, leading to political instability, litigation, and in some cases, violence. As the two-day workshop continues, the participants are expected to produce actionable recommendations that will guide the Commission's preparations for the 2027 elections, ensuring that integrity remains at the heart of Nigeria's democratic process.
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