The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has started an early integrity campaign for officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Borno State, warning them against result manipulation, inducement, abuse of office and other forms of electoral misconduct, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The warning was given on Wednesday in Maiduguri by the Resident Anti Corruption Commissioner for Borno and Yobe states, Linus Gubbi, during a sensitisation workshop organised for INEC personnel.
The exercise places attention on preventing electoral offences before preparations for the next national poll gather pace.
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Election credibility depends not only on voting day activities but also on the conduct of the people entrusted with managing the process.
The workshop shows an effort to build ethical conduct early so that election officials understand their responsibilities and the consequences of violating electoral rules before the 2027 exercise begins.
ICPC places prevention before prosecution
The anti corruption agency used the workshop to remind INEC officials that honesty and respect for laid down procedures are central to credible elections.
Gubbi said democracy rests on free, fair and credible elections, noting that public confidence in any poll is shaped by the conduct and compliance culture of those responsible for organising it.
He explained that the sensitisation programme forms part of the commission’s responsibility to prevent corruption in public service, especially among officers directly involved in elections.
“As part of our mandate at ICPC to prevent corrupt practices, we find this sensitisation very key to enlightening officials who are directly involved in the electoral process on the need to be free from all forms of corrupt practices and imbibe integrity in the conduct of elections,” Gubbi said.
He identified result manipulation, abuse of office, compromise of electoral procedures, collection of inducements and failure to follow approved guidelines as examples of electoral corruption.
Gubbi warned that such actions attract sanctions and also damage confidence in elections.
“Corruption in the electoral process, whether through inducement, compromise of procedures, manipulation of results, abuse of office or failure to follow laid down guidelines, has serious consequences.
“It erodes public trust, fuels tensions, undermines peace and development, and also exposes individuals to sanctions.”
He said the workshop was organised to promote integrity, accountability and transparency in public service, particularly among officers involved in the electoral process.
INEC staff welcome lessons on ethical conduct
The training also gave election workers an opportunity to deepen their understanding of acceptable conduct before activities leading to the 2027 polls begin.
Gubbi thanked the Borno office of INEC for responding quickly to the programme and mobilising its staff for the workshop.
“I commend the INEC Borno office for its quick response, cooperation and mobilisation of staff for this sensitisation workshop. I appreciate all participants for creating time to engage on this critical assignment,” he said.
The Head of Department, General Administration at INEC in Borno State, Sadiq Grema, said the session improved his understanding of issues connected with election management and integrity.
He also praised the commission’s engagement with government institutions.
“We have been working with many agencies of government, but I must say that the ICPC has been one of the best,” he said.
The workshop placed attention on ethical conduct long before ballot papers are printed or polling units are opened. The anti corruption agency has made prevention the centre of its effort to protect the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
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