The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday reiterated its commitment to intensifying preparations for peaceful and secure 2027 general elections.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in  Oyo State, Adeniran Tella, said this at the opening of the Electoral Risk Management (ERM) workshop in Ibadan.

The REC noted that participants’ presence at the workshop, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process, reflected a shared commitment to credible elections.

According to him, successful elections require deliberate preparation, effective coordination and the collective commitment of all institutions and individuals involved in the electoral process.

“Recognising this, the commission continues to create platforms such as this workshop to promote a common understanding of electoral responsibilities and strengthen institutional relationships.

“We also encourage a coordinated approach to addressing challenges that may arise during election preparations and implementation,” he said.

He added that the workshop would let participants exchange experiences, clarify expectations, and strengthen the communication channels and cooperation needed for effective electoral planning.

He said the workshop would also reinforce the need for stakeholders to remain proactive, responsive and committed to their respective responsibilities.

He particularly appreciated the participation of security agencies, noting that their continued support and cooperation remained invaluable to the commission’s mandate.

He urged participants to approach the sessions with open minds and a willingness to learn from one another.

Mr Tella said their experiences and insights would enrich collective understanding and ensure relevant outcomes to the realities of the electoral environment.

He assured that the commission counts on continued cooperation, professionalism and commitment of stakeholders to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.

In her keynote address, INEC Administrative Secretary in Oyo State, Agnes Oluwatomisin, said ERM provides a practical way to identify, assess, monitor and manage risks that might affect the electoral process.

According to Ms Oluwatomisin, the risks may include security threats, political tensions, environmental challenges and operational difficulties.

She noted that if not properly managed, such risks could disrupt election activities, endanger voters and officials, and reduce public confidence in the electoral process.

She maintained that the commission must ably identify potential challenges early and take necessary steps to address them.

“The workshop is therefore designed to improve our understanding of ERM and strengthen our capacity to collect reliable information on electoral risks.

“The outcome will help INEC to understand the actual situation in different locations and identify areas that may require special attention,” she stated.

Sixty participants, including the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), local government electoral officers, and the media, attended the one-day workshop. 

(NAN)