Ahead of the Edo and Ondo states governorship elections, the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, has warned that unethical and corrupt practices by electoral officials would not be tolerated, as those found liable will face the law.
Yakubu made the vow, yesterday, at the yearly lecture organised by The Electoral Institute (TEI), with the theme, ‘Achieving Professionalism among Election Personnel through Effective Training in Preparation for Edo and Ondo Off-cycle Governorship Elections’, in Abuja.
He stressed the need for a high sense of professionalism among the officials due to their crucial role in upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
Represented by the Chairman, Board of TEI, Prof Abdullahi Zuru, the INEC boss observed that “the success of any election largely depends on the professionalism and competence of those responsible for conducting it.”
According to him, how the electoral officers discharge their duties affects the confidence of voters in the electoral process, impacting their participation and turnout.
He said, “To ensure the credibility and trustworthiness in our elections and to build trust among the electorate, we must prioritise the professional development of our election personnel. Consequently, INEC has always demanded that all electoral officials be punctual, courteous, polite and helpful. Voters are the masters and should be treated equally, decently and with utmost respect.
“Unethical and corrupt practices by electoral officials will not be tolerated and shall incur severe legal punishment. For these reasons, officials should be guided by a high sense of integrity, impartiality, transparency, professionalism, gender and disability sensitivity, as well as due consideration and support for the elderly, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).”
The lecture was organised in memory of the former Director-General of TEI, Prof Abubakar Momoh. While the Edo off-cycle election has been scheduled for September 21, 2024, that of Ondo is November 16, 2024.
DG of TEI, Sa’ad Idris, attributed INEC’s successes in the 2023 general elections and recent off-cycle governorship elections to substantial investments in the training of its personnel.
At the event, Director of the MacArthur Foundation, Kole Shettima, revealed a comprehensive strategy to overhaul and improve various facets of the electoral process.
