The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has highlighted the importance of proper archiving, cataloguing, and documentation of operational and electoral records as the country prepares for the 2027 general election. According to INEC, these measures are critical for sustaining public trust and institutional credibility. The commission's Director of Voter Education, Victoria Eta-Messi, emphasized this during a two-day capacity-building workshop for INEC staff members in Abuja.
The workshop, themed 'Preserving Institutional Memory Through Effective Archiving and Documentation,' aimed to equip INEC staff with the necessary skills for effective record-keeping. Eta-Messi described archiving and documentation as a key aspect of the electoral process, cautioning against the improper storage of historical electoral materials in state offices, which often leads to loss of critical institutional knowledge. She identified the Graphics, Library and Documentation (GLD) division as crucial in this process.
Eta-Messi expressed concern over the practice of storing electoral materials in boxes, leading to their deterioration and loss of critical information. She stressed the need for proper preservation of knowledge and processes to enable comparative analysis and lesson learning from previous election cycles. The training was designed to strengthen the capacity of officers under the GLD division, which Eta-Messi described as the youngest yet vital division in the publicity department.
The GLD Deputy Director, Perpetual Aligwara, highlighted the commission's credibility as depending on its memory and neutrality. She noted that every election cycle generates critical decisions, residues, and lessons for the commission's continuity, emphasizing the need for structured records management. Aligwara warned that without proper documentation, the commission faces severe operational and legal risks.
Aligwara emphasized that proper documentation would enable the commission to explain its decisions better and speak with authority. She stressed that without careful record management, the commission risks losing procedural knowledge of its activities. The workshop aimed to address these challenges and ensure that INEC staff are equipped to handle the responsibilities of archiving and documentation.
Eta-Messi urged participants to take advantage of the training to enhance their skills and prepare for their roles in their respective states. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between the GLD division and other departments to ensure the success of INEC's archiving and documentation responsibilities. The training is part of INEC's efforts to improve its operations and credibility ahead of the 2027 polls.
The two-day workshop brought together INEC staff members from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The participants were drawn from the GLD division, which is responsible for managing the commission's records and documentation. By investing in the capacity-building of its staff, INEC aims to ensure that its electoral records are properly managed and preserved for future reference.
Key points
- INEC emphasizes proper documentation of electoral records to sustain public trust and credibility ahead of the 2027 general election.
