The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has concluded a two-day refresher workshop for political party officials on the use of its Candidate Nomination Portal (ICNP), reaffirming its commitment to a transparent, accurate, and technology-driven nomination process.
The training, held at INEC Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, was aimed at improving the capacity of political parties and minimizing procedural errors in the nomination of candidates, particularly ahead of upcoming bye-elections and the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections.
Participants included representatives from registered political parties, some of whom were also part of similar sessions ahead of the 2023 General Election.
In her opening remarks, National Commissioner and Chairperson of the Legal Services, Clearance and Complaints Committee, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, emphasized the legal and strategic importance of accurate nominations.
“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 said. “An error in the submission of personal particulars of candidates by political parties can be potentially detrimental to both the party and its candidate.”
While acknowledging the success of the ICNP in reducing paperwork and streamlining compliance, she noted that common issues such as incomplete form submissions and personnel turnover among party staff still hinder efficiency.
“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.
Assistant Director in the Legal Drafting and Clearance Department, Samuel Omale, explained the workshop’s strategic focus. According to him, the training was more than a routine exercise; it was a necessary intervention to equip parties with updated knowledge of nomination procedures as outlined in the Electoral Act 2022.
Omale said the sessions were designed to provide hands-on demonstrations on using the ICNP platform while also addressing recurring errors in submissions. The event also created a forum for direct engagement between INEC and political party representatives to enhance understanding and collaboration.
“The objective,” he noted, “is to refresh political parties on the approved Guidelines for the Nomination of Candidates while building confidence in the process through clarity, transparency, and engagement.”
Participants were grouped for interactive sessions led by officials from INEC’s Legal and ICT Departments. Follow-up support will continue to be available for parties through these departments.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu concluded by urging participants to fully leverage the training for more efficient nominations. “Our collective preparedness is a determinant of the overall success of the electoral process,” she said.
The training reinforces INEC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the nomination process, improve compliance, and promote credible and inclusive elections through the strategic use of technology.
