As preparations for the 2027 General Election gather momentum, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have begun a major anti-corruption campaign aimed at strengthening transparency and integrity within Nigeria’s electoral system.
The two agencies on Monday commenced a two-day Anti-Corruption Education and Sensitisation Workshop for INEC staff, with a strong message that credible elections remain the bedrock of democracy and must be protected from corrupt practices.
The workshop, themed “Corruption-Free Election: Integrity Matters (C-FEIM),” is designed to equip electoral officials with the knowledge, skills and ethical standards needed to uphold public trust in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.
Declaring the workshop open, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, represented by National Commissioner Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, described the training as both timely and strategic, given the growing preparations for the next general election.
According to a statement issued by INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, Agbamuche-Mbu stressed that elections remain the foundation upon which democratic governance is built and warned that any compromise of the process could have far-reaching consequences for the nation.
“As the electoral umpire, INEC has a responsibility not only to conduct elections but also to champion values that strengthen democracy,” she said.
She noted that public confidence in democratic institutions depends largely on the credibility of elections, adding that electoral corruption undermines trust, weakens governance and threatens national stability.
“When elections are compromised, public trust is eroded and the nation suffers as a result,” she stated.
Agbamuche-Mbu commended the ICPC for partnering with INEC to organise the workshop, describing it as a critical initiative aimed at building staff capacity, sharing best practices and generating practical recommendations that would guide electoral officials before, during and after elections.
She revealed that the anti-graft agency had deployed experienced resource persons to facilitate the sessions and urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity by engaging actively, asking questions and exchanging ideas that could improve electoral integrity.
The National Commissioner also applauded the participants for setting aside other official engagements to attend the training, noting that their commitment reflected the importance of safeguarding the electoral process.
Speaking on behalf of ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu, SAN, the Commission’s Director of Legal Services, Mr. Henry Emore, described corruption as one of the greatest obstacles to national development in the modern era.
He said the workshop’s theme underscores ICPC’s determination to support government efforts aimed at delivering free, fair and credible elections across the country.
According to Emore, electoral malpractice and a lack of integrity in the voting process come with significant consequences, including increased financial costs for government and heightened pressure on law enforcement and oversight institutions.
He explained that flawed elections often lead to supplementary polls, legal disputes and security challenges, all of which place additional burdens on public resources.
“When the electoral process is tainted by malpractice, government spends more resources conducting supplementary elections and maintaining law and order. At the same time, agencies like ICPC face a flood of petitions, investigations and litigation,” he said.
The workshop forms part of broader efforts by both INEC and ICPC to promote accountability, transparency and ethical conduct among election officials as Nigeria prepares for another crucial democratic exercise in 2027.
Observers say the initiative could play a key role in strengthening public confidence in the electoral process and ensuring that integrity remains at the heart of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
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