The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a capacity-building programme to strengthen staff knowledge 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, in collaboration with the Legal Drafting and Clearance Department and the Litigation and Prosecution Department.
The programme, themed “The Electoral Legal Framework, Offences and Penalties,” is designed to equip heads of divisions and units with the legal knowledge required to perform their duties effectively and ensure compliance with electoral laws.
Speaking at the opening session, the Chairman of the Board of The Electoral Institute, Professor Kunle Ajayi, described the initiative as “a historic milestone” in the Commission’s efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and improve electoral service delivery.
Ajayi expressed satisfaction with the collaboration among the Training Department, Legal Drafting and Clearance Department, and Litigation and Prosecution Department in delivering the inaugural session.
He said the programme would provide election management staff at the Commission’s headquarters with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of electoral laws, offences and the penalties prescribed by law.
According to him, “A sound knowledge of electoral laws is indispensable for conducting credible elections.”
He stressed that election officials must be fully informed about the legal provisions guiding their responsibilities to ensure compliance, professionalism and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
Ajayi further emphasised the importance of understanding electoral offences and their corresponding penalties, noting that such knowledge would help officials carry out their responsibilities within the boundaries of the law.
He expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the Commission, Professor Joash O. Amupitan, and other members of the Commission for approving the initiative, describing it as “a vital capacity-building intervention” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In his remarks, the Acting Director-General of TEI, Professor Ibrahim Sani, described the electoral legal framework as “the foundation of the entire electoral process.”
Sani explained that effective electoral administration requires more than simply knowing that electoral laws exist, stressing the need for officials to understand the provisions and practical implications of those laws.
“It is not enough for staff to merely know that electoral laws exist; they must understand their provisions, practical implications and relevance to their assignments,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the Electoral Learning Session would strengthen staff capacity, promote adherence to legal provisions and enhance the Commission’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
Sani added that equipping officials with a deeper understanding of electoral laws would support more effective performance of their duties and contribute to improved electoral service delivery.
The Director of Training, Dr. Binta Kasim Mohammed, urged participants to actively engage in the sessions, explaining that the programme was designed as a continuous capacity-building initiative for staff across the Commission.
Mohammed disclosed that the sessions would be conducted monthly for staff at the Commission’s headquarters and quarterly for personnel at the state and local government area levels.
She explained that the programme would involve collaboration with relevant departments of the Commission, depending on the theme and subject matter of each session.
According to her, the approach would ensure that training activities address the specific responsibilities and professional needs of participating staff.
Mohammed expressed optimism that the initiative would enhance staff knowledge, strengthen professional competence and deepen understanding of the various electoral activities, roles and responsibilities required for effective and efficient service delivery.
The inaugural Electoral Learning Session marks a step towards institutionalising continuous learning and professional development within INEC as the Commission prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The second part of the programme continued on Friday, October 16, 2026, for heads of units.