INEC Tasks RECs on Capacity Building for Staff

INEC Tasks RECs on Capacity Building for Staff

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to prioritize capacity building for their staff in preparation for a series of upcoming elections.

This directive was issued by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during the Second Quarterly Consultative Meeting with RECs held in Abuja on Tuesday.

Prof. Yakubu expressed satisfaction with the establishment of RECs in all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), emphasizing that their responsibilities extend beyond the approach of general elections.

“I wish to remind you that your work does not begin as the General Election approaches. You are full-time Commissioners. There are policy and procedural issues already determined by the Commission which you need to implement without prompting from the Headquarters in Abuja. Some of you are already doing so, but you need to intensify your effort.

He highlighted the importance of enhancing staff knowledge regarding new policies and innovations introduced by the Commission.

“You do not need an elaborate conference or workshop to build the capacity of your staff to improve on their knowledge of new policies and practical innovations,” he noted.

He also called for proactive measures to enhance voter access to polling units, including decongesting polling areas and cleaning up the voters’ register.

Prof. Yakubu reminded the RECs of their critical role as managers of personnel and resources, stating, “Elections and electoral activities take place in the States of the Federation, and your role is critical for success. You can only effectively discharge your responsibilities when you are knowledgeable and committed.”

Looking ahead, the INEC Chairman announced the schedule for several major elections over the next year, including bye-elections in 12 states on August 16, 2025, the Anambra State Governorship election on November 8, 2025, and the Area Council elections in the FCT on February 21, 2026.

“The Commission has released the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for these elections, and some activities have already been carried out,” he said, referencing the commencement of political party campaigns in Anambra State and the publication of the Notice of Election for the Ekiti State Governorship election.

Prof. Yakubu also provided updates on the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), which will resume nationwide on August 18 for online pre-registration and August 25 for in-person registration.

He emphasized the need to compile a new voters’ register in compliance with legal requirements.

“The CVR in Anambra State will resume next week and will be held simultaneously in all 326 Wards in the State,” he explained.

As the Commission prepares for the upcoming elections, Prof. Yakubu addressed concerns regarding the interpretation of Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022 related to the review of election results.

“The Commission is working on a supplement to the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections 2022 to provide clarity on the review of declaration and return at elections,” he stated.