To enhance electoral administration and outcomes for the upcoming governorship election in Ondo state, the DAI-implemented EU-SDGN project conducted a two-day training workshop for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff. Held in Akure, the workshop was part of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Programme (EU-SDGN).
The training aimed to improve the proficiency of INEC staff in delivering elections with integrity. About 143 participants attended, including Mrs. Oluwatoyin O. Babalola, the INEC REC, the Admin Secretary, Heads of Departments, Election Officers, Associate Election Officers, and other high-level Ondo INEC staff. Representing the DAI EU-SDGN team was Mr. Denis Mutabazi, Key M&E Expert.
The workshop focused on six priority areas: electoral administration, strategic planning, internal and external communication, electoral training, legal and policy framework, election technology, and engagement with State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).
Speaking during the workshop, Denis Mutabazi said, “DAI, on behalf of the EU-SDGN, supports INEC in its endeavours to improve the quality of electoral administration, with a view to fostering a functioning, pluralistic, inclusive, participatory, and representative democracy in Nigeria.” He added, “The workshop is a crucial demonstration of INEC’s strong commitment to effective delivery of elections and the integrity of electoral outcome.”
Mutabazi also emphasized, “The integrity of elections is determined by the professional dexterity of the electoral staff, because well-trained staff are most likely to deliver their tasks up timely with confidence.”
Mrs. Oluwatoyin O. Babalola expressed her gratitude, saying, “The workshop coincides with the preparations for Ondo State Governorship Election and stresses the need for participants to equip themselves in ensuring that the electoral process is not only efficient but transparent and inclusive.”
Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), highlighted the importance of capacity building, stating, “Human resource development is very important as the Election Management Body prepares for another exercise. The centrality of capacity upgrade is underscored by the ever- growing demand by citizens for stronger, positive outcomes in election administration.”
He urged other election stakeholders to follow INEC’s example, “I wish to seize this opportunity to call on other election stakeholder groups to emulate what INEC is doing by also strengthening their personnel in readiness for the November 2024 governorship polls in Ondo state.”
DAI and the EU-SDGN are confident that this capacity- building workshop for INEC staff will significantly contribute to the effective planning, delivery, and conclusion of the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo state.
