The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has signaled a zero-tolerance approach toward legal lapses in its internal operations, as the electoral body begins scaling up logistics for the 2027 General Election.
Addressing officials at the conclusion of a high-level, three-day procurement training in Lagos, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, warned that the Commission would no longer accept ignorance of the law as an excuse for procedural errors. The workshop, held in partnership with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), was designed to fortify the Commission’s Tender Board against the legal and administrative pitfalls that often plague large-scale public acquisitions.
Commitment to the Procurement Act
Prof. Amupitan underscored that strict adherence to the Procurement Act is not merely a bureaucratic requirement but a fundamental necessity to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. He noted that the timing of the training was strategic, coming just as the Commission prepares to execute a massive volume of contracts essential for the upcoming election cycle.
“Ignorance of the law will no longer be tolerated in procurement processes. This training has enhanced our collective understanding and will foster improved coordination and accountability in every decision we make moving forward,” Prof. Amupitan stated.
Budgetary Approval and Technical Oversight
The Chairman further revealed that the National Assembly has approved the Commission’s budget, providing the necessary financial foundation for procurement planning. This fiscal green light allows INEC to move swiftly into the implementation phase, provided all actions align with federal statutes.
The sessions featured rigorous academic and practical reviews led by experts including Dr. Steve Ogidan and Prof. Adetunji O. Ogunyemi. These facilitators delved into the complexities of legal and judicial interventions, highlighting common infractions that have historically hindered public institutions.
Strengthening Institutional Integrity
The event brought together a powerful cohort of National Commissioners and Directors, all of whom are tasked with managing the Commission’s significant resources. By focusing on stakeholder management and legal compliance, the Commission aims to prevent the litigation and delays that can arise from flawed bidding processes.
As the workshop concluded, officials from the Commission reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the Procurement Act as a critical pillar for delivering a credible and transparent election in 2027. Prof. Amupitan expressed gratitude to KAS for their support and praised the active engagement of the participants, noting that the insights gained would directly shape the conduct and decision-making of the Commission’s leadership in the months to come.
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