|By Adejumo Adekunle-
-Refresher workshop targets bye-elections, FCT Area Council polls
-Commission reinforces digital transparency in candidate nomination
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has organised a two-day refresher workshop for political party officials on the use of its Candidate Nomination Portal (ICNP), with the aim of strengthening their capacity and minimising procedural errors in the nomination process.
Held on Wednesday at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja, the workshop convened key representatives from registered political parties, including those trained ahead of the 2023 general elections. The training seeks to consolidate earlier gains, improve compliance, and ensure a smoother and more transparent process as the Commission prepares for upcoming bye-elections and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.
In her welcome remarks, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, National Commissioner and Chairperson of INEC’s Legal Services, Clearance and Complaints Committee (LSC&CC), underscored the significance of accurate and timely submissions in the nomination process.
“Nomination of candidates is not only a statutory obligation under Section 29 of the Electoral Act, 2022, but it forms the very foundation upon which credible elections are built,” she said.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu stressed that while the ICNP had streamlined processes by reducing paperwork and enhancing compliance, challenges still linger. These include incomplete submissions, improper attachments, and the frequent turnover of party personnel responsible for handling nominations.
“This refresher training is designed to bridge those gaps and ensure that both returning and newly appointed party officials have the knowledge and skills necessary for a smooth nomination process,” she added.
Also speaking at the workshop, Mr. Samuel Omale, Assistant Director in the Legal Drafting and Clearance Department, described the initiative as a timely intervention rather than a routine exercise. He said the session was meant to strengthen understanding of the approved Guidelines for the Nomination of Candidates and equip participants with hands-on knowledge of the ICNP platform.
“The objective is to refresh political parties on the nomination procedures outlined in the Electoral Act, 2022, and prepare them adequately for upcoming electoral engagements,” Omale explained.
Live demonstrations were held to guide participants on how to submit accurate and timely data through the nomination portal. The sessions also addressed recurring mistakes and provided a platform for open dialogue between INEC and political parties.
Omale expressed optimism about the outcomes of the training, stating that it would enhance the accuracy of submissions, deepen familiarity with INEC’s internal procedures, and foster stronger collaboration between the Commission and party officials.
Participants were split into two groups for more interactive sessions, while INEC’s Legal and ICT departments jointly coordinated the training. The departments also pledged to provide ongoing support for political parties ahead of their next nomination exercises.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu charged the participants to maximise the opportunity, noting that collective preparedness is crucial for the overall success of any electoral process.
The training is part of INEC’s broader efforts to improve electoral integrity through digital tools, build confidence in its systems, and support political stakeholders in meeting the demands of credible, inclusive, and error-free elections.
