The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has warned that it would not spare any election official involved in corrupt and unethical practices ahead of the Edo and Ondo governorship elections.
The Commission maintained that such election officials would incur severe punishments under the law.
INEC chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu gave the warning on Monday in Abuja during a 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 the Chairman, Board of The Electoral Institute, BEI, Prof Abdullahi Zuru, said to ensure the credibility of the country’s elections and build trust among the electorate, it was imperative that the Commission prioritise the professional development of election personnel.
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, and also be Gender and Disability Sensitive.
He also stressed the need for due consideration and support for the elderly, pregnant women, nursing mothers and Persons with Disabilities, PWDs.
Earlier, Director General of the Electoral Institute, TEI, Sa’ad Idris said the Commission in its stride to enhance the capacity and competencies of its personnel, developed various programs to enhance the capacity of its staff.
