The Independent National Electoral Commission in Gombe State has reiterated its commitment to continuous capacity development for staff as a strategic measure to enhance electoral administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a one-day workshop held on Thursday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Gombe State, Dr Sa’ad Idris, described capacity building as a “cornerstone for effective election management in a rapidly evolving political and technological landscape.”
The workshop, themed “Capacity Building: A Tool for Successful Election Administration,” brought together staff of the State Office to share knowledge, assess challenges, and identify new strategies for improving service delivery.
“This is not just a bureaucratic requirement—it is a deliberate and indispensable investment in the integrity of our electoral process and the vibrancy of our democracy.
“We must continuously build the capacity of our personnel to keep pace with new technologies, legal reforms, and the expectations of the Nigerian electorate,” Idris added.
He noted that the Commission is placing strong emphasis on staff training as it gears up for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and the 2027 polls.
“Our aim is to strengthen efficiency, ensure transparency, and deepen public confidence in the process,” he added.
Delivering the lead presentation, Idris highlighted priority areas for institutional development, including identifying capacity gaps, embracing digital innovations, and creating effective communication channels within the commission.
The event also featured a plenary session where staff exchanged practical insights on improving electoral procedures.
The Head of VR/ICT in the State Office, Engineer Bitson Filibus, provided a technical briefing on the CVR process and its implications for voter data integrity.
“Technology is central to modern election management,” Filibus said. “This workshop gives us the opportunity to align our understanding and readiness with INEC’s goals.”
It will be recalled that upon assuming office in June 2025, Idris pledged to institutionalise monthly training sessions for INEC staff in Gombe.
“This is just the beginning,” the REC said. “Subsequent editions will extend to our field officers, security agencies, and other critical stakeholders. Our vision is to create an ecosystem of excellence that reflects the values and expectations of a true democratic society.”
