INEC Chairman Amupitan stresses procurement integrity ahead of 2027 elections at workshop

Education, Politics

LAGOS, NIGERIA, 01 April 2026 (NPA) — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has entered the second day of its three-day capacity-building workshop for National Electoral Commissioners and senior management staff, with Chairman Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, leading deliberations on procurement integrity as a cornerstone of credible elections.

Prof. Amupitan’s active participation underscored the Commission’s commitment to strengthening procurement systems ahead of the 2027 General Election. He emphasised that transparent procurement directly impacts the timely delivery of sensitive materials, deployment of technology, and overall logistics, noting that strict adherence to regulatory frameworks is vital for public confidence.

Day Two featured interactive sessions in which Commissioners and Directors reflected on past challenges and shared strategies to improve compliance. Mr Nelson Ojougboh of the Bureau of Public Procurement highlighted the importance of aligning procurement with the national budget cycle, warning that non-compliance constitutes a statutory violation. He introduced revised Standard Bidding Documents to enhance transparency and efficiency.

Prof Prince Michael Ikupolati addressed procurement risks, emphasising proactive management and the use of insurance instruments, such as performance bonds, to safeguard resources. Mrs Nanzok Bukata focused on structured planning, documentation, and transparency, stressing that clear records and due process are essential to credibility.

The workshop reinforced INEC’s resolve to institutionalise best practices and strengthen its culture of accountability. Prof. Amupitan’s leadership signalled the Commission’s determination to ensure procurement reform supports the successful delivery of a credible and transparent 2027 electoral process.