The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a two-day anti-corruption education and sensitisation workshop for its staff as part of preparations for the 2027 general election.

The workshop, themed “Corruption-Free Elections: Integrity Matters (C-FEIM),” began on Monday at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Declaring the workshop open, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, represented by the national commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, said the training was timely as the commission intensified preparations for the 2027 general election.

Ms Agbamuche-Mbu said INEC, as the nation’s electoral umpire, has a responsibility to lead conversations that shape national values, noting that elections remain the foundation of democracy.

According to her, when elections are compromised, public trust is eroded, and the nation suffers.

She commended the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for facilitating the workshop, describing it as an initiative designed to build capacity, share best practices, and develop actionable recommendations to guide staff during elections.

She said the ICPC had provided resource persons for the training and thanked participants for prioritising the workshop over other engagements. 

She urged them to contribute actively, ask critical questions, and network during the sessions.

In his remarks, the ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu, SAN, represented by the commission’s director of legal services, Henry Emore, said corruption remained one of the greatest obstacles to national development in the 21st century.

Mr Emore said the theme of the workshop reflected the ICPC’s commitment to supporting government initiatives to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.

He noted that when the electoral process lacks integrity and is marred by malpractice, the government incurs additional costs through supplementary elections and the maintenance of law and order, while agencies such as the ICPC are burdened by an increase in petitions and litigation.

Describing elections as defining moments in a nation’s democratic journey, Mr Emore said the responsibility entrusted to INEC demands the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and professionalism.

He added that the fight against corruption requires collective action, which informed the ICPC’s partnership with INEC to organise the workshop and provide resource persons to facilitate the sessions.

Mr Emore commended electoral officials for their courage and commitment, noting that they often put their lives on the line in service to the country.

He expressed optimism that the deliberations at the workshop would strengthen the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.