Politics
INEC Trains Political Parties Officials On ICNP Use Ahead By-Elections
To enhance the capacity of political parties and minimise procedural errors in candidate nominations, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) organised a two-day refresher training workshop on using its Candidate Nomination Portal (CNP) for party officials on Wednesday.
Held at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja, the training brought together key representatives from registered political parties, some of whom had previously been trained ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The workshop aimed to consolidate achievements from previous cycles and ensure a more efficient, transparent, and technologically seamless nomination process in preparation for upcoming by-elections and the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections.
In her welcome address, the National Commissioner and Chairperson of the Legal Services, Clearance and Complaints Committee (LSC&CC), Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, emphasised the importance of accurate and timely nominations in the electoral process.
“Nomination of candidates is not only a statutory obligation as provided in Section 29 of the Electoral Act, 2022, but it is the very foundation upon which elections are conducted,” she stated, adding that “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 acknowledged that despite progress with the CNP in reducing paperwork and improving compliance, political parties still faced challenges such as incomplete form submissions, improper document attachments, and frequent turnover of personnel managing the nomination process.
“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 said.
The Assistant Director in the Legal Drafting and Clearance Department, Mr Samuel Omale, outlined the purpose and strategic focus of the refresher training. According to him, the workshop was designed not just as a routine exercise, but as a timely intervention to deepen the capacity of political party officials ahead of upcoming FCT and by-elections.
“The objective,” he explained, “is to refresh political parties on the approved Guidelines for the Nomination of Candidates as outlined in the Electoral Act, 2022, while equipping them with practical knowledge of the nomination process.”
He further elaborated that the training sought to enhance parties’ familiarity with the Commission’s internal procedures, particularly through live demonstrations on how to make timely and correct submissions via the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal (ICNP).
In addition to addressing common areas of confusion and past mistakes, the sessions also provided space for open dialogue between the Commission and party representatives an opportunity to ask questions, seek clarifications, and find common ground.
Mr Omale expressed optimism about the expected outcomes of the exercise, citing better understanding of the portal, improved accuracy in submissions, and the establishment of a more collaborative framework between INEC and political parties as key deliverables.
“Ultimately,” he said, “this is about ensuring that we reduce errors and build confidence in the nomination process going forward.”
The initiative reaffirms INEC’s commitment to using technology to strengthen electoral integrity, improve compliance, and build capacity among political actors to ensure credible and inclusive elections.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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