The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a strong warning to political parties to avoid careless mistakes during the nomination and submission of candidates, stressing that such errors could have serious consequences for both the party and the candidates involved.
This caution was delivered by Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, INEC National Commissioner and Chairperson of the Legal Services, Clearance and Complaints Committee (LSC&CC), during a two-day refresher training workshop on the use of the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal (ICNP) for party officials.
Nomination Is the Foundation of Elections
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu emphasized that candidate nomination is not just a routine task but a statutory obligation under Section 29 of the Electoral Act, 2022, forming the basis upon which elections are conducted.
“An error in the submission of personal particulars of candidates by political parties can be potentially detrimental to both the party and its candidate,” she stated.
Why the Training Matters
The workshop aims to:
✔ Enhance the capacity of political parties
✔ Minimize procedural errors in nominations
✔ Ensure a more efficient, transparent, and tech-driven process for upcoming bye-elections and the FCT Area Council elections
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu noted that while the ICNP has improved compliance and reduced paperwork, parties still make mistakes such as:
- Incomplete form submissions
- Improper document uploads
- Frequent personnel turnover affects nomination management
“This refresher training is designed to bridge those gaps and ensure party officials have the knowledge and skills necessary for a smooth nomination process,” she added.
INEC’s Commitment to Technology and Integrity
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to using technology to improve electoral integrity and strengthen compliance among political actors. The Commission urged parties to maximize the training and adopt best practices to avoid errors that could jeopardize their candidates.
HEED: Follow us on Instagram or any other social media platform and get the most reliable news directly in your favorite app!
Workshop Objectives
According to Samuel Omale, Assistant Director in INEC’s Legal Drafting and Clearance Department, the training is:
- A timely intervention ahead of the bye-elections and FCT polls
- Focused on refreshing parties on approved nomination guidelines
- Designed to provide live demonstrations of the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal (ICNP)
- Intended to promote open dialogue between INEC and parties for improved collaboration
Omale expressed optimism that the exercise would lead to:
✔ Better understanding of the portal
✔ Improved accuracy in candidate submissions
✔ Stronger working relationship between INEC and political parties
NaijaBlogDaily# is visible on all social media platforms, we bring you the latest Nigerian news on politics and economy, entertainment, and celebrity updates. Including sports across Nigeria and beyond…
Keep visiting and following up with us on any social media platform you are using to keep you updated 💯
Remember (information brings knowledge and power).
STAY TUNED!!!
