INEC Trains Officials, Expresses Concerns Over Violent Clashes Between Political Parties

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) expressed concern on Tuesday over reports of violent clashes between political party members.

The commission's chairman, Mahmood Yakubu raised the concerns during a training session for trainers on the commission's new technology ahead of the 2023 general elections in Abuja.

A total of 82 officials were selected from INEC offices across the country to attend the training, which is intended to improve the organization's performance in the upcoming elections.

On Monday, there was a report of an attack on Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters at a presidential campaign rally in Kaduna.

The attackers were thought to be political thugs.

In his speech, Yakubu stated that such political thuggery violates both the 2022 Electoral Act 2022 and the Peace Accord recently signed by candidates from the participating parties.

“Parties, candidates and their supporters should not by acts of commission or omission further complicate the prevailing security situation in the country.

"A peaceful electioneering campaign is critical to the conduct of peaceful and credible elections,” he said.

He stated that the INEC will continue to monitor political party activities and promised to convene meetings between the commission and political party leaders to discuss this development and other issues.

Yakubu explained the scope of the training, saying that the 82 officials drawn from INEC offices nationwide for the training are expected to train more officials at the zonal level to cover all of the country's registration areas.

According to him, officials at the zonal level will be "involved in the training of ad hoc staff for the 176,846 Polling Units nationwide."

"Based on recent off-cycle elections, the Commission is convinced that training is a critical success factor in the deployment of technology in elections," he added.

“We need to build the capacity of the staff involved not only to competently handle the devices during the accreditation process but also respond effectively to any glitches that may occur during elections.

“Over the next three days, they will receive intensive hands-on training on the new technology.

"Thereafter, they will train more officials at the zonal level to cover all the 8,809 Registration Areas (or Wards).

"In turn, these officials will be involved in the training of ad hoc staff for the 176,846 Polling Units nationwide.”

Yakubu urged the trainees to pay close attention to the training.

"Your role as master trainers is critical to the success of subsequent levels of training and, ultimately, the successful deployment of the devices during elections."

“For this reason, the Commission will not accept laxity on your part.

"Much as we have confidence in your ability to understand and discharge your responsibilities to the officials you will subsequently train, there will be consequences for unethical behaviour or any act of misconduct.

"I wish you a successful training.”