The Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu has stated that the success of any election largely depends on the professionalism and competence of those responsible for conducting it.
INEC Chairman made this assertion on Monday in Abuja, during a lecture in honor of the late Abubakar Momoh, former director-general of the Electoral Institute (TEI).
Represented by Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, national commissioner and chairman of the Board of Electoral Institute, Mr. Yakubu cautioned INEC personnel against engaging in unethical and corrupt practices in the upcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections.
He warned that any unethical behavior before, during, and after these elections would be met with severe legal consequences.
The lecture, themed “Achieving Professionalism among Election Personnel through Effective Training in Preparation for the Edo and Ondo Governorship Elections,” underscored the importance of integrity, impartiality, transparency, professionalism, and sensitivity to gender and disability among electoral officers.
Mr. Yakubu emphasized that electoral personnel must be knowledgeable, skilled, and equipped with relevant competencies to handle the complexities of the electoral process.
He stated, “Moreover, 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.
READ ALSO: EFCC Forms Team to Investigate El-Rufai, Others Over Alleged N423 Billion Fraud
He highlighted the significant role election personnel play in maintaining the integrity of democratic processes, noting that their conduct directly influences voter confidence and turnout.
“The commission’s involvement in effective training programmes has empowered its staff to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in order to strengthen our processes and procedures to serve the interests of all Nigerians,’’ he said.
According to him, the commission’s training programs empower staff to uphold high standards of integrity and professionalism, thereby strengthening electoral processes and procedures.
Dr. Sa’ad Idris, director-general of TEI, reiterated INEC’s commitment to professionalism in achieving free, credible, transparent, and inclusive elections.
Idris stated, “As we prepare for the 2024 Edo and Ondo off-cycle governorship elections, the commission is assured that the outcome of effective training of Election personnel will manifest in a high level of professionalism.”
(NAN)
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
