INEC, ICPC Hold Anti-Corruption Training for Staff Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has commenced a two-day Anti-Corruption Education and Sensitization Workshop for its staff as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

According to a statement posted on the commission’s official X account on Monday, the workshop, themed “Corruption-Free Election: Integrity Matters (C-FEIM),” is being held at INEC headquarters in Abuja in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The commission said the workshop was declared open by National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu, who represented INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan.

According to INEC, Agbamuche-Mbu described the training as timely ahead of the 2027 general elections and said the commission, as Nigeria’s electoral umpire, had a responsibility to promote values that strengthen democracy.

“As the electoral umpire, the Commission bears the responsibility to lead conversations that shape national values. Elections remain the foundation of democracy, and when they are compromised, public trust is eroded and the nation suffers,” she was quoted as saying.

The commission said Agbamuche-Mbu commended the ICPC for facilitating the workshop, noting that it was designed to build staff capacity, share best practices and develop recommendations to guide electoral officials during elections.

INEC further stated that the ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu, represented by the commission’s Director of Legal Services, Henry Emore, described corruption as one of the greatest challenges to national development.

According to the statement, Emore said the workshop reflected the ICPC’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at ensuring free, fair and credible elections.

“When the electoral process is devoid of integrity and marred by malpractice, government spends more on supplementary elections and maintaining law and order, while agencies such as the ICPC are burdened with increased petitions and litigation,” he said.

INEC added that Emore urged electoral officials to uphold the highest standards of accountability and transparency, while commending them for their commitment to national service.

The commission expressed optimism that the workshop would strengthen the conduct of credible elections ahead of the 2027 polls.