The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that staff of the commission involved in corrupt and unethical practices would incur severe punishments under the law.
The Chairman of INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu gave the warning on Monday in Abuja at the annual lecture organised by the Electoral Institute TEI, INEC, with the theme: “Achieving Professionalism among Election Personnel through Effective Training in Preparation for Edo and Ondo Off Cycle Governorship Elections”.
The Chairman who was represented by Prof, the Chairman, Board of The Electoral Institute (BEI), Prof. Abdullahi Zuru cautioned that unethical and corrupt practices by election officials would not be tolerated ahead of the Edo and Ondo States governorship elections.
He said to ensure the credibility and trustworthiness in the country’s elections and build trust among the electorates, it was imperative that they prioritise the professional development of election personnel.
Yakubu stressed that the commission has always demanded that all election officials should be punctual, courteous, polite, and helpful at all times. Voters are the masters and should be treated equally, decently and with utmost respect.
He stated: “Unethical and corrupt practices by election officials will not be tolerated and shall incur severe punishments under the law.”
Yakubu, however, stressed that election officials should be guided by the principles of integrity, impartiality; transparency, professionalism, Gender and Disability Sensitive; and due consideration and support for the elderly, pregnant women, nursing mothers and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Earlier, Director General of the Electoral Institute (TEI), Dr. Sa’ad Idris said the commission in its stride to enhance the capacity and competencies of its personnel, through the Electoral Institute developed various programs to enhance the capacity of its staff.
According to him, Consequently, the successes achieved by the Commission in the recently conducted 2023 General Election and other off-Cycle Governorship Elections both in 2023 and 2024 bear credence to the fact that the investment made by the commission towards enhancement of the capacities of its trainers is a step in the right direction.
Idris emphasised that the off-cycle elections in Edo and Ondo states present a significant opportunity to demonstrate the commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, credible and Inclusive elections.