The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun a capacity-building programme to improve staff understanding of electoral laws, offences and penalties ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The maiden Electoral Learning Session (ELS), organised by the Training Department of The Electoral Institute (TEI), was held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the TEI Auditorium. The programme continues on Friday, October 16, for heads of units.
The inaugural session, themed “The Electoral Legal Framework, Offences and Penalties,” was organised in collaboration with the Commission’s Legal Drafting and Clearance Department and Litigation and Prosecution Department.
The initiative is designed to promote continuous learning, professional development and effective electoral service delivery among Commission staff.
Electoral laws key to credible elections, Ajayi says
Speaking at the opening session, the Chairman of the Board of The Electoral Institute, Professor Kunle Ajayi, described the programme as a historic milestone in the Commission’s efforts to improve staff capacity.
Ajayi commended the Training Department and the two collaborating departments for working together to deliver the first edition of the learning session.
He said the programme was timely, providing election management staff at the Commission’s headquarters with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the legal framework governing elections, electoral offences and the penalties prescribed by law.
According to him, a sound knowledge of electoral laws is essential to conducting credible elections, as officials must understand the legal provisions guiding their duties to ensure compliance, professionalism and accountability.
Ajayi also appreciated the Chairman of the Commission, Professor Joash O. Amupitan, and other members of the Commission for approving the initiative, describing it as an important capacity-building intervention ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
TEI director highlights practical knowledge of electoral laws
The Acting Director-General of The Electoral Institute, Professor Ibrahim Sani, said the electoral legal framework forms the foundation of the entire electoral process.
He stressed that staff must go beyond knowing that electoral laws exist to understanding their specific provisions, practical implications and relevance to their respective assignments.
Sani expressed confidence that the Electoral Learning Session would improve staff capacity, encourage compliance with electoral laws and enhance the Commission’s preparedness for the 2027 General Elections.
INEC plans regular training for staff nationwide
The Director of Training, Dr. Binta Kasim Mohammed, urged participants to take an active part in the sessions, explaining that the ELS was designed as a continuous professional development programme.
According to Mohammed, the sessions will hold monthly for staff at the Commission’s headquarters and quarterly for staff at state and local government area levels.
She added that each session would involve relevant departments within the Commission, depending on the subject and theme being discussed.
Mohammed expressed optimism that the programme would improve staff knowledge, strengthen professional competence and deepen their understanding of the activities, roles and responsibilities required for effective electoral service delivery.
The maiden Electoral Learning Session marks a step towards institutionalising continuous learning within INEC as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 General Elections.
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