Abuja:Participants at a capacity training program organized by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for members of the National Anti-Corruption Coalition (NACC) have expressed disappointment over the absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the event. The training aimed to equip NACC members with skills for effective election monitoring to ensure credible polls.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the training, held to prepare NACC members ahead of the 2027 general elections, focused on accessing grants to sustain grassroots anti-corruption advocacy and on delivering the commission’s message to ordinary Nigerians. Mr. Idris Abu, a NACC member and Executive Director of the Organisation of People’s Voice, criticized INEC’s absence, stating it reflected a lack of seriousness about transparency and credible elections.
Mr. Jare Tiamiyu, another NACC member, echoed the disappointment, emphasizing the importance of openness and warning against waiting for crises before responding. Mr. Felix Ojo, a journalist and NACC member, urged INEC to prioritize engagements that could enhance election integrity.
Mr. Demola Bakare, Director of Public Enlightenment and Education at ICPC, confirmed that several efforts were made to involve INEC, but they were unsuccessful. He explained that ICPC aims to formalize the election monitoring process with NACC members to observe elections together.
A senior officer in the INEC Chairman’s office refuted the claims of intentional absence, attributing it to ongoing engagements in preparation for the 2027 elections. The officer highlighted the longstanding collaboration between INEC and ICPC, emphasizing that the commission values ICPC as a crucial partner in combatting electoral corruption.