Partnership between INEC, electoral stakeholders critical for democratic development

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke has described the partnership between electoral stakeholders and the commission as strong and critical to democratic development.

Dr Agboke gave this description in his welcome remark as he played host at a sensitisation by Kimpact Development Initiative, KDI, alongside intern students from Osun State University, UNIOSUN, at the INEC State Headquarters, Osogbo on Wednesday.

The sensitisation visit was aimed at deepening the interns’ understanding of Nigeria’s electoral system and encouraging their roles as future advocates of good governance.

It was also as part of ongoing efforts to promote civic awareness and electoral responsibility.

Dr Agboke expressed appreciation for the strong partnership between INEC and KDI, describing it as critical to democratic development.

He also commended the students for demonstrating an active interest in civic knowledge and electoral participation.

“The synergy between INEC and civil society organisations like KDI has significantly contributed to the deepening of democracy in Nigeria,” he said.

The Osun INEC boss explained the INEC’s structure, constitutional responsibilities, and the difference between INEC and State Independent Electoral Commissions, SIECs.

He clarified that INEC, which is constitutionally established and supervised by the President, is solely responsible for conducting elections into the offices of the President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors, National Assembly, and State Houses of Assembly, as well as elections in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

“INEC has no business with local government elections; those are conducted by SIECs,” he stated.

Dr Agboke gave a detailed overview of INEC’s eight key departments: Electoral Operations; General Administration and Procurement; Voter Education, Publicity, Gender and Inclusivity; Accounts; Legal; ICT; Administration; and Election and Party Monitoring.

The REC also outlined INEC’s pre-election activities, which include Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, sensitisation of the electorate, and registration of political parties.

He emphasised the importance of public awareness during CVR and voter education exercises.

“Knowledge of these processes is significant for anyone interested in elections management in Nigeria,” he noted.

On election day, Dr Agboke said INEC is responsible for issuing election notices and polls, deploying electoral materials, utilising ad-hoc staff, and ensuring proper collation and announcement of results.

He reminded the interns that INEC is the only body legally empowered to conduct elections in Nigeria, and any disputes must be addressed by the election tribunal.

Dr Agboke encouraged the students to share what they had learned with peers and the wider public, noting that “the rights of a voter include the right to register, vote, and participate in a recall process.”

Kimpact’s Director of Programmes for the Southwest, Barrister Bunmi Eyelade, praised the ongoing collaboration with INEC and highlighted the objective of grooming the students to become active advocates of good governance.

“INEC has always been a reliable partner in our mission to raise responsible citizens who are well informed about their electoral rights,” Eyelade said.

In attendance were INEC’s Administrative Secretary, Margaret Olufunmike Segun-Osifeso, as well as Heads of Departments and Units within the Commission.