Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified its push for strict adherence to procurement laws as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 General Election, stressing that any breach of legal requirements will not be tolerated. Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of INEC, delivered a firm warning to officials of the Commission, emphasising that ignorance of the law is no excuse as the body gears up for extensive procurement activities linked to the electoral cycle.
The directive came at the close of a three‑day procurement training workshop held in Lagos, organised in collaboration with the Konrad‑Adenauer‑Stiftung (KAS). The training brought together National Commissioners, directors, and senior staff of the Commission, including members of INEC’s Tender Board, with the goal of enhancing understanding of the Procurement Act and related compliance requirements.
Prof. Amupitan described the workshop as timely and impactful, noting that it had fostered improved coordination, accountability, and collective understanding among those responsible for overseeing procurement decisions. He reiterated that procurement integrity is fundamental to the credibility of the election process, pointing out that everything from printing and distributing election materials to deploying technology and logistical resources depends on transparent and lawful procurement.
The Chairman expressed appreciation to KAS for its support in facilitating the training, underscoring the importance of capacity‑building as INEC prepares to undertake one of the most complex procurement exercises in its history. He also acknowledged the support of the Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner for ensuring the smooth logistics of the event.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged with expert facilitators who delivered sessions on legal compliance, procurement communication, stakeholder management, and judicial interventions in procurement disputes. Presenters shared practical insights into the common pitfalls of procurement processes and explored strategies for mitigating legal and operational risks.
In his remarks, Prof. Amupitan highlighted that the Commission’s budget for the upcoming election year has already been approved by the National Assembly. This approval provides a solid foundation for effective procurement planning and reinforces the need for strict compliance with legal frameworks governing public procurement.
The training emphasised the importance of aligning procurement activities with statutory timelines and procedures under the Procurement Act. Participants were introduced to updated approaches for standardised documentation, transparent vendor engagement, and systematic performance monitoring — all designed to uphold integrity and reduce the risk of disputes or delays.
Officials noted that effective procurement extends beyond the internal operations of the Commission and plays a critical role in shaping public confidence. Transparent and lawful procurement, they said, signals professionalism and safeguards against perceptions of bias or malpractice that could undermine faith in the electoral process.
In addition to discussions on legal compliance, the workshop provided a platform to reflect on lessons learned from previous elections, particularly in areas where procurement challenges hampered delivery or invited criticism. The consensus among participants was that proactive planning, capacity building, and adherence to legal requirements must be embedded at every stage of the procurement cycle.
The Commission also used the training to stress the importance of stakeholder engagement in procurement planning. Given the range of stakeholders affected by election‑related procurement — from vendors and civil society to political parties and international observers — officials were encouraged to communicate clearly and manage expectations while remaining within legal boundaries.
While the focus of the training was internal, development partners underscored the broader implications of procurement compliance for democratic governance. Representatives from KAS reiterated that transparent public procurement supports fairness, efficiency, and public trust — not only in elections but across public institutions.
Prof. Amupitan’s warnings reflect an evolving institutional focus within INEC, linking procurement integrity directly to the credibility of elections rather than viewing it as a technical administrative function. This shift underscores the belief that procurement delays, cost overruns, or legal breaches can have significant implications for election preparedness and public confidence.
As Nigeria heads toward the 2027 General Elections, INEC officials have pledged to uphold the provisions of the Procurement Act and strengthen procurement integrity as a core pillar of their operational strategy. The Chairman made it clear that ignorance of the law would no longer be accepted as a defence, and that all officials, regardless of position, are expected to demonstrate a clear understanding of legal requirements.
The renewed focus on procurement compliance comes amid broader reforms and strategic planning within the Commission, aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing risks, and ensuring that all aspects of election preparation meet the highest standards of legality and transparency. INEC’s leadership has emphasised that meticulous planning and strict legal adherence are essential to delivering credible elections that command trust from citizens and stakeholders alike.
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