The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and leaders of political parties have reaffirmed their dedication to credible electoral processes ahead of the 2027 General Election. This commitment was made during a three-day training workshop for Heads of Department in Election and Party Monitoring (EPM), political party leaders, and other senior management staff of the Commission, which concluded in Lagos on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
Workshop Focus on Regulations and Party Finance
The workshop centered on the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties and the Political Party Finance Reporting and Audit System (PFRAS). It brought together political party leaders, INEC officials, development partners, and experts for intensive discussions on emerging electoral issues and best practices. Members of the Election and Party Monitoring Committee (EPMC), including Dr. Baba Bila, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, Mr. Sam Olumekun mni, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, Prof. Sani M. Adam, Dr. Kenneth Nnamdi Ukeagu, and Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar Malafa mni, OFR (Rtd), actively participated throughout the workshop and attended the closing activities.
INEC Reaffirms Fairness and Neutrality
Delivering the closing remarks on behalf of the Commission's Chairman, Dr. Kenneth Ukeagu expressed appreciation to development partners such as the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, Development Alternatives Incorporated, the European Union, and The Kukah Centre for their support. He described political parties as critical partners in the democratic process and reaffirmed INEC's commitment to fairness, neutrality, and equal treatment of all political parties. “We are there for you. We always create a level playing field for everyone. The Commission is not supporting any political party and will continue to act strictly in accordance with the law and the Commission’s guidelines,” he stated.
Call for Compliance and Professionalism
The National Commissioner urged political parties to always comply with extant laws and guidelines governing elections and party primaries. He also encouraged stakeholders to seek lawful channels for addressing grievances and disputes. Addressing Heads of Department in Election and Party Monitoring from various states, Dr. Kenneth charged them to remain professional and objective during the monitoring of party primaries scheduled to commence immediately after the workshop. “You are not directors of political parties. Yours is to monitor and report in line with the law. Do not interfere in the internal conduct of primaries beyond your statutory responsibility,” he cautioned.
Knowledge Cascade and Peaceful Resolution
He further urged participants to cascade the knowledge gained during the workshop to colleagues in their respective states, given the tight electoral timetable leading to the 2027 General Election. In his final remarks, the Chief Technical Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Dimis Mai-Lafia, expressed satisfaction with the workshop's outcome, noting that the objectives were successfully achieved through robust discussions, technical sessions, and group interactions. He called on political parties, INEC officials, and other stakeholders to continue resolving issues peacefully and constructively, stressing the need for dialogue and restraint in managing political disagreements.
