ICPC urges INEC officers to protect 2027 election integrity through transparency, accountability and strong ethical standards ahead of the polls
The 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 Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general election.
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The call was made on Monday in Abuja by ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, during a two-day Anti-Corruption and Sensitisation Workshop for INEC staff themed, “Corruption-Free Election: Integrity Matters! (C-FEIM): Towards a Corruption-Free 2027 General Election.”
Represented by the Director of Legal Services, Mr Henry Emore, the ICPC chairman said electoral officers occupy a crucial position in protecting Nigeria’s democratic process and must remain committed to ethical conduct.
He warned that corruption and malpractice in elections could have far-reaching consequences, including costly supplementary elections, increased legal disputes and declining public confidence in democratic institutions.
“Elections remain defining moments in the life of every nation, and as Africa’s largest democracy, Nigeria deserves the highest level of professionalism and integrity from those entrusted with managing its electoral process,” Aliyu said.
The ICPC chairman explained that the workshop was part of the commission’s preventive approach to fighting corruption by equipping public institutions with the knowledge and tools needed to strengthen accountability systems.
He said the collaboration between ICPC and INEC was aimed at improving the capacity of electoral officials to conduct free, fair and credible elections in 2027 and beyond.
Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of INEC, described the workshop as timely and important in strengthening the electoral framework ahead of the polls.
Represented by the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the South-South Region, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, Amupitan commended ICPC for the initiative, noting that it would help improve professional standards and encourage the exchange of best practices among electoral personnel.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to working with relevant institutions to promote transparent and credible elections.
The first day of the workshop featured presentations by Mr Demola Bakare, Director of Public Education Department, and Mrs Susan Ogabaidu, Deputy Director of the Special Duties Division.
The speakers highlighted risks associated with conflicts of interest within the electoral system, including personal biases, financial inducements and political affiliations that could undermine public trust.
The programme concluded on Tuesday with presentations focused on corruption prevention strategies and the importance of value re-orientation among workers.
The sessions were facilitated by Mr Olusegun Adigun, Director of the Systems Study and Review Department, and Mr Kingsley Chidi Obi, Deputy Director of the Value Orientation Division, Education Department of the ICPC.
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The commission said the training would contribute to building a stronger culture of integrity among electoral officials as the country moves closer to the 2027 general election.
