By Johnpaul Alumona

Uyo:  Prof. Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Akwa Ibom, says the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be fair, neutral and unbiased in the conduct of the 2027 general elections.

Onuoha stated this at a one-day capacity-building workshop for 51 Voter Education Desk Officers and Assistant Electoral Officers from Akwa Ibom and Cross River in Uyo on Monday.

Onuoha said that the workshop was part

of the processes leading to the 2027 general elections, and that the training was critical to improving staff knowledge and performance.

“The essence of training and workshops cannot be overemphasised. It is an avenue to learn new things and improve your knowledge about your duties.

“To the facilitators, let it not be the normal ritual that we always have in every election. They are expected to learn new things from this event,” he said.

The REC further said that the workshop should engender more knowledge and prepare the electoral officers for the tasks ahead.

He urged the facilitators to educate the participants on latest INEC’s innovations, their responsibilities and areas of prohibition.

“After this workshop, we should no longer have crisis of confidence from the public, if we do, then the essence of this workshop is defeated,” he said.

He said that the philosophy behind the exercise was to update and strengthen the electoral process, saying, “the commission has capable hands to get the electoral process right”

Onuoha told the participants to transfer the knowledge gained during the workshop to other personnel, describing the exercise as a “train-the-trainer” programme.

“Wherever you find yourself, try to update the people around you. It is important. For us here in Akwa Ibom, we only set the pace and let others follow,” he said.

Onuoha used the opportunity to urge the media to verify information before publishing, particularly information obtained from politicians.

He said that failure to verify information could lead to publication of falsehood.

The REC said that INEC would provide equal access to information and other logistical arrangements to all political parties contesting the forthcoming elections.

“Information is a raw material for decision-making. If you are properly informed, you know how to take your decisions,” he said.

Earlier, Mrs Geraldine Ekemelu, the Head, Voter Education and Publicity, commended the participants for their commitment to duty and preparedness for the forth coming election.

Ekemelu urged the officers to take accurate and timely electoral information to the people, particularly at the grassroots.

The INEC official stated that misconceptions, misinformation and inadequate knowledge of the electoral process could significantly affect citizens’ participation and the outcome of the 2027 elections.

She said that the workshop provided an opportunity for participants to strengthen their knowledge, practical skills, share experiences, identify challenges and develop more effective approaches to voter education and sensitisation.(NAN)