By Chizoba Njaka
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called on officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to demonstrate the highest levels of integrity, accountability and transparency as the country begins preparations for the 2027 General Elections.
This was disclosed in a press statement issued on July 7 by the ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, Okor Odey. According to the statement, the appeal was made by the Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, during the opening of a two-day Anti-Corruption and Sensitisation Workshop for INEC staff held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The workshop, themed “Corruption-Free Election: Integrity Matters! (C-FEIM): Towards a Corruption-Free 2027 General Election,” is aimed at promoting ethical conduct within the electoral process.
Represented by the Director of Legal Services, Mr. Henry Emore, the ICPC Chairman described elections as a critical pillar of every democratic society. He noted that, as Africa’s largest democracy, Nigeria depends on electoral officials to conduct elections with professionalism, fairness and unquestionable integrity.
He emphasised that electoral officers play a crucial role in protecting the nation’s democratic system and urged them to resist every form of corruption and misconduct capable of undermining the credibility of elections.
Dr. Aliyu further warned that when corruption infiltrates electoral processes, its impact extends beyond election day. According to him, such practices often lead to expensive rerun elections, increased election-related petitions and court cases, greater pressure on security agencies, and a decline in public trust in democratic institutions.
He explained that the workshop aligns with the commission’s preventive anti-corruption mandate, which focuses on strengthening public institutions through the promotion of accountability, transparency and ethical values.
The ICPC chairman added that the partnership between the commission and INEC is intended to equip electoral officials with the knowledge and skills required to deliver free, fair and credible elections in 2027 and future electoral cycles.
While acknowledging the demanding nature of election management, he commended INEC personnel for their dedication, patriotism and sacrifices in the service of the nation. He encouraged them to continue carrying out their constitutional responsibilities with courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment to integrity.
He also expressed optimism that the workshop would provide participants with practical insights and ethical guidance that would reinforce electoral integrity and help Nigeria conduct elections that meet both national and international standards.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, who was represented by the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the South-South Region, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, described the workshop as both timely and important as preparations for the 2027 General Elections gather momentum.
She praised the ICPC for organising the programme, stating that it would strengthen the capacity of INEC personnel, encourage the exchange of best practices and generate practical strategies for promoting ethical behaviour throughout the electoral process.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu urged participants to take full advantage of the workshop through active engagement and reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with the ICPC in advancing transparent, credible and corruption-free elections in Nigeria.
Chizoba Njaka is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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