Embrace integrity ahead of 2027 elections, ICPC urges INEC officials

Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged electoral officers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold transparency, accountability and professionalism as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 General Elections.

The call was made on Tuesday by the ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, during the opening of a two-day Anti-Corruption and Sensitisation Workshop for the INEC workforce at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Represented by the Director of Legal Services, Henry Emore, the ICPC chairman said elections remain defining moments in the life of every nation, stressing that Nigeria, as Africa’s largest democracy, expects the highest standards of integrity and professionalism from officials responsible for conducting elections.

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He noted that electoral officers occupy strategic positions in safeguarding the country’s democratic process and urged them to resist all forms of corruption capable of undermining the credibility of elections.

According to him, compromised electoral processes have far-reaching consequences beyond the conduct of elections, including costly supplementary polls,
increased litigation and petitions, greater pressure on law enforcement agencies and a decline in public confidence in democratic institutions.

Aliyu explained that the workshop forms part of the commission’s preventive anti-corruption mandate and its commitment to supporting public institutions in promoting integrity, accountability and transparency.

He said the collaboration between ICPC and INEC is aimed at strengthening the capacity of electoral officers to deliver free, fair and credible elections in 2027 and beyond.

The ICPC chairman also commended the Chairman of INEC, Joash Ojo Amupitan, for approving the sensitisation programme despite the commission’s demanding electoral schedule, describing the decision as evidence of INEC’s commitment to institutionalising integrity and combating corruption within the electoral system.

While acknowledging the challenges associated with election management, he praised electoral officers for their patriotism and encouraged them to discharge their constitutional responsibilities with courage, professionalism and unwavering integrity.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Spokesman of the commission,Mr Okor Odey,a copy made available to press in Kano
Aliyu expressed confidence that the workshop would equip participants with practical knowledge and ethical guidance necessary to strengthen electoral integrity and position Nigeria to conduct elections that meet both national and international standards.

Speaking on behalf of the INEC chairman, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the South-South Region, May Agbamuche-Mbu, described the workshop as timely and important in reinforcing the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.

She commended the ICPC for organising the programme, saying it would enhance the capacity of INEC personnel, promote the exchange of best practices and generate practical recommendations for ethical conduct during elections.

Agbamuche-Mbu urged participants to actively engage in the sessions and reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with the ICPC in promoting credible, transparent and corruption-free elections.

The first day of the workshop featured presentations by Demola Bakare and Susan Ogabaidu, who examined the risks and legal implications of conflicts of interest in Nigeria’s electoral system.

They highlighted how personal bias, financial inducements and political affiliations among election officials could undermine democratic processes.

The workshop concludes on Tuesday with presentations by Olusegun Adigun and Kingsley Chidi Obi, focusing on corruption prevention measures and value re-orientation as key strategies for strengthening integrity within the electoral workforce.