INEC Warns Against Unethical Practices, Emphasizes Professionalism in Edo and Ondo Elections

On Monday, June 10, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, issued a stern warning against unethical and corrupt practices among electoral officers. Speaking through Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, Chairman of the Board of The Electoral Institute, at the annual lecture organized by the Institute, Yakubu emphasized that any electoral officers engaging in such acts will face the full weight of the law.

The lecture, themed “Achieving Professionalism among Election Personnel through Effective Training in Preparation for Edo and Ondo off-cycle Governorship Elections,” underscored the importance of professionalism and competence in conducting successful elections. Prof. Yakubu highlighted that knowledgeable and skilled personnel are essential for handling the complexities and challenges of the electoral process, thereby ensuring its integrity.

Prof. Yakubu stressed that the professionalism of election personnel is crucial for maintaining voter confidence and participation. He outlined the need for high standards of integrity, impartiality, transparency, professionalism, and sensitivity towards gender and disabilities among election officials. He further emphasized that punctuality, courtesy, and respect towards voters are paramount.

To enhance professionalism, INEC is investing in comprehensive training programs and exploring collaborations with development partners. This training aims to deepen electoral knowledge, strengthen skills, and build a pool of efficient trainers and facilitators. The commission is also focused on developing effective monitoring and evaluation processes to assess the impact of these training programs.

By prioritizing the professional development of election personnel, INEC aims to ensure free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections. Prof. Yakubu concluded that these efforts will lead to increased public trust and confidence in the electoral process, accurate and reliable election results, and a strengthened democratic culture in Nigeria.