INEC Launches Capacity Building Workshop for Electoral Officials Ahead of Osun Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified preparations for the August 15 Osun governorship election by launching a two-day capacity-building workshop for Electoral Officers and Assistant Electoral Officers in the state. The training, held on Tuesday, is aimed at equipping staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage all aspects of the electoral process effectively. Osun INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, emphasized the importance of optimal performance by INEC staff throughout the election cycle, from pre-election activities to post-poll duties.

Babalola stated that the workshop is designed to strengthen the capacity of electoral personnel to ensure a credible and transparent election. She highlighted that participants would receive comprehensive training on key areas such as the recruitment of ad hoc staff, logistics management, and election administration. “The expected outcome of the workshop is to ensure and build the capacity of Electoral Officers and Assistant Electoral Officers ahead of the election,” she said. “The commission expects them to perform effectively before, during and after the polls.”

The training programme includes sessions on the proper use of INEC’s recruitment processes, distribution of personnel and materials, and the management of election logistics. Babalola noted that election management, particularly result management and strategies for handling potential challenges, would be a major focus. “We are also training them on election management. We are going to go into a lot of detail about result management and addressing challenges,” she added.

Communication management during elections and the monitoring of electoral activities were also included in the curriculum. The workshop also covers the use of technology in elections, ensuring staff are familiar with digital tools and systems that support electoral operations. Babalola described the event as an in-house preparatory exercise ahead of a more extensive technical training planned by INEC. “This workshop is like an in-house workshop ahead of the training session that the Commission is planning, so that by the time we have our technical training, they would have enough knowledge of election administration,” she explained.

Participants at the workshop include Heads of Departments, Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers, and Heads of Units. Babalola expressed confidence that the training would prepare staff to carry out their duties professionally and efficiently. “I also expect them to carry out their duties the way they should be carried out before, during and after the election. We expect them to know what they are doing and perform very well,” she said.

With these measures in place, INEC is reinforcing its commitment to delivering a free, fair, and credible election in Osun State. The training is a critical step in ensuring that all electoral processes are managed with precision and transparency. As the election date approaches, the focus on staff readiness signals a proactive approach to safeguarding democratic integrity in the state.