The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern warning to its personnel to refrain from unethical and corrupt practices in the upcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, delivered the warning on Monday during a lecture in honor of the late Abubakar Momoh, a former Director-General of the Electoral Institute (TEI) from August 2013 to May 2017. The lecture, themed “Achieving Professionalism among Election Personnel through Effective Training in Preparation for the Edo and Ondo Governorship Elections,” was held in Abuja.
Represented by Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of Electoral Institute, Yakubu emphasized that any unethical behavior by electoral personnel before, during, or after the elections would attract severe legal consequences.
“The success of any election largely depends on the professionalism and competence of those responsible for conducting it,” Yakubu stated. He urged electoral officers to adhere to principles of integrity, impartiality, transparency, professionalism, and sensitivity to gender and disability issues.
Yakubu highlighted the need for electoral personnel to be well-versed, skilled, and equipped with the necessary competencies to manage the complexities and challenges of the electoral process.
“The crucial role election personnel play in upholding the integrity of our democratic processes cannot be overstressed. The manner in which they discharge their duties and responsibilities affects the degree of confidence voters will have in the electoral process, which will impact their participation and turnout,” he added.
The lecture served as a platform to reinforce the importance of training and professionalism among INEC staff as the commission prepares for the crucial governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.
