The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has warned its personnel against unethical and corrupt practices in the upcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, gave the warning on Monday in Abuja at a lecture in honour of the late Abubakar Momoh, who was a former Director-General of the Electoral Institute, TEI, from August 2013 to May 2017.

Yakubu, represented by National Commissioner, and Chairman, Board of Electoral Institute, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, warned that any unethical practice before, during and after those elections would incur severe punishments under the law.

The theme of the lecture was “Achieving Professionalism among Election Personnel through Effective Training in Preparation for the Edo and Ondo Governorship Elections.’’

Yakubu said the success of any election largely depended on the professionalism and competence of those responsible for conducting it.

He advised electoral officers to be guided by the principles of integrity, impartiality, transparency, professionalism, gender and disability sensitivity.

He said it was important for electoral personnel to be knowledgeable, skilled and well-equipped with relevant competencies to handle the complexities and challenges of the electoral process.

“Moreover, the crucial role election personnel play in upholding the integrity of our democratic processes cannot be overstressed.

“The manner in which they discharge their duties and responsibilities affects the degree of confidence voters will have in the electoral process, which will impact their participation and turnout,” he said.

INEC warns personnel against unethical practices in Edo, Ondo elections