INEC, ICPC begin anti-graft training for election officials

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar met with the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, to discuss issues of mutual interest, with a strong focus on preparations for the 2027 general elections and continued economic cooperation.
 
This was as former governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff, alleged that the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, was planning to divide the country.
 
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a two-day anti-corruption education and sensitisation workshop for its staff as part of efforts to promote credible elections ahead of 2027.
 
Atiku disclosed details of the meeting in a post shared on his Facebook page, revealing that he hosted the EU envoy at his residence in Abuja.
 
According to the ex-VP, the discussions centred on strengthening relations between Nigeria and the EU, particularly in the areas of democratic governance and economic development.
 
He said he appreciated the ambassador’s visit and acknowledged the EU’s continued support for Nigeria’s democratic process.
  
“This afternoon, I had the honour of hosting the Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria, His Excellency, Amb. Gautier Mignot,  at my residence in Abuja,” Atiku wrote. “We engaged in productive discussions on issues of mutual interest between Nigeria and the EU, with particular emphasis on the upcoming general elections.”
 
Atiku commended the EU for its sustained commitment to promoting credible elections in Nigeria and supporting initiatives to strengthen the country’s economy.

SHERIFF, while appearing as a guest on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television, was reacting to Obi’s call for President Bola Tinubu to resign over the country’s security and economic situations.

He said: “Peter Obi, up to this moment, is pursuing the division of Nigeria because he believes in Biafra. He never condemned Biafra or the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as he wants to divide Nigeria. He should come out and say whether he believes in the division of the country.
  
“Anybody aspiring to lead Nigeria must be someone who stands for Nigeria, not for any section.”

THE INEC workshop, in collaboration with ICPC, themed, ‘Corruption-Free Election: Integrity Matters (C-FEIM)’, began yesterday at the commission’s headquarters.
 
Declaring the workshop open, the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, described the training as timely, coming as preparations for the 2027 polls gradually gather steam.
 
Represented by National Commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, the chairman said, as the nation’s electoral umpire, INEC had a responsibility not only to conduct elections but also to champion values that strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
 
According to him, elections remain the foundation of democratic governance, and he warns that when the electoral process is compromised, public confidence is eroded and the country’s democratic institutions are weakened.
 
He commended the ICPC for facilitating the workshop, noting that the programme was designed to build the capacity of electoral officials, expose them to best practices and generate practical recommendations to guide their conduct during elections.
 
The INEC boss disclosed that the ICPC provided resource persons for the training and urged participants to actively engage in discussions, ask critical questions, and share experiences to enhance the commission’s electoral processes.
 
Chairman of ICPC, Dr Musa Adamu (SAN), described corruption as one of the greatest obstacles to national development. He said the workshop reflected ICPC’s commitment to supporting initiatives to ensure credible elections in Nigeria.
 
Adamu, represented by the commission’s Director of Legal Services, Henry Emore, noted that lack of integrity in the electoral process often results in costly supplementary elections, increased security challenges and a rise in petitions and litigation, placing additional pressure on institutions responsible for safeguarding democracy.